In a bid to put farmers at the center of policymaking, ensure timely fertilizer availability, and boost soil health, the Department of Fertilizers recently organized a day-long Chintan Shivir in the national capital.
The event brought together senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and state governments, scientists, and industry representatives, all engaging in dialogue with Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Minister of State Anupriya Patel.
Addressing the gathering, Nadda emphasized, “Narendra Modi has always kept farmers at the core of governance. Therefore, our policies and decisions must aim to make the life of the farmer easier and better.”
He added that despite challenging circumstances, the Department has successfully met farmers’ fertilizer requirements and highlighted that “due to the farmer-friendly measures taken by the Department of Fertilizers, the country has achieved record production along with necessary imports this year.”
The Union Minister also stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to tackle issues like balanced fertilizer use and preventing diversion or misuse for non-agricultural purposes.
Minister of State Anupriya Patel noted, “The Prime Minister envisions India becoming the hub of the global food basket. This ‘Chintan Shivir’ will generate ideas that will aid in making India a developed nation by 2047.”
Fertilizer Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra said, “The Government, PSUs, and the Private Sector have all placed the farmer at the center of their brainstorming during the session. We have kept this Shivir so interactive that every idea can find a place on the table for deliberation and we expect better outcomes from the collective wisdom.”
Held at the National Agricultural Science Complex, the one-day camp featured 15 discussion groups that delved into key topics such as new-age fertilizers, self-sufficiency in fertilizer production, farmer awareness, digital initiatives in the fertilizer ecosystem, and Nutrient Based Subsidy programs.
Each group presented their suggestions directly to the Union Minister, Minister of State, and Fertilizer Secretary, ensuring a platform where diverse ideas could influence policy. Senior officials from PSUs, cooperative societies, and private companies were also active participants in the discussions.
