Question

Why fertilizer industry is essential for us?

Answer 1

The fertilizer industry is essential for us primarily because Indian soils generally lack sufficient fertilizing elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for higher agricultural yields. Chemical fertilizers supplement these nutrients in the soil, significantly increasing soil productivity and food grain production. The importance of the fertilizer industry is highlighted by its crucial role in the Green Revolution in India, which saw food grain production increase from 72.32 million tonnes in 1966-67 to 275.58 million tonnes in 2016-17. The consumption of fertilizers also rose dramatically from 0.55 kg per hectare in 1951-52 to 123 kg per hectare in 2016-17. Hence, the fertilizer industry’s health and growth are vital to meeting the foodgrain demands of the increasing population and contributing to agricultural exports. Ignoring fertilizers would endanger national food security.