Austerity as an export aid: using less chemical fertilizer could ease access to the EU market
India's over-reliance on subsidized chemical fertilizers has severely degraded soil health, impacting agricultural productivity and export potential to markets like the EU with strict sustainability standards. Alarming deficiencies in soil organic carbon and nitrogen are prevalent, leading to increased fertilizer/pesticide use and export rejections. The government's Soil Health Card scheme reveals critical data. Shifting from input-intensive farming to balanced nutrient management, promoting bio-fertilizers, and adhering to crop-specific recommendations are crucial. This transition is essential for sustainable agriculture, improving export quality, and meeting international environmental norms, as urged by PM Modi.
LiveMint · Arpita Mukherjee, Latika Khatwani · May 17, 2026 at 10:30 AM