Indian agriculture stands at a historic crossroads. For decades, our narrative was one of triumph—transforming from a food-deficient nation to one of the world’s largest agricultural producers and exporters.
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Indian agriculture stands at a historic crossroads. For decades, our narrative was one of triumph—transforming from a food-deficient nation to one of the world’s largest agricultural producers and exporters. This "Green Revolution" was fueled by hard work, improved seed varieties, expanded irrigation, and a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers.
However, as I run the soil of Jakhni (Banda, Uttar Pradesh) through my fingers today, the warnings of experts echo in my mind. The chemical "crutches" that once accelerated our progress have deeply wounded our soil and depleted our groundwater.
The Silent Crisis: Erosion of Our 'Silent Wealth'
Soil is not mere dirt; it is the nation’s "Silent Wealth," the very foundation of our entire food system. Yet, the indiscriminate use of nitrogenous fertilizers like Urea has hollowed out this treasure. Our fields are no longer just deficient in primary nutrients; they are starved of organic carbon, secondary nutrients like Sulphur, and vital micro-nutrients such as Zinc and Boron. The result is a worrying trend where soil fertility is declining and crop yields have hit a plateau.
To counter this, we must adopt the '4R' Stewardship philosophy:
Right Source: Using the correct nutrient type.
Right Dose: Applying the exact amount required.
Right Time: Feeding the crop when it needs it most.
Right Place: Ensuring nutrients reach the roots, not the environment.
The Jakhni Model: 'Med Par Ped' (Trees on Bunds)
My journey began in Jakhni, a village in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. In 2005, without government aid or formal schemes to stop soil erosion, we turned to community solidarity. We launched the "Khet Par Med, Med Par Ped" (Bunds on fields, Trees on bunds) campaign. Our goal was simple: catch every drop of rain where it falls and recharge the earth's aquifers.
Today, the 'Jakhni Model' is recognised by Niti Aayog. In districts like Banda and Chitrakoot—where water once had to be delivered by trains during summers—we have seen groundwater levels rise by up to 1.34 meters due to bunding. While we have made strides in water conservation, a fear remains: if we save the water but lose the soil to chemical toxicity, our efforts will be in vain. The synergy of water conservation with organic and natural farming is the ultimate "win-win" for the Indian farmer.
Integrated Nutrition: Merging Tradition with Tech
The future of farming lies in Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). This does not mean abandoning fertilizers entirely, but balancing them with organic manure, bio-fertilizers, and micro-nutrients.
The government is facilitating this shift through strategic policy changes:
Subsidies for Organics: Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and Potash derived from Molasses (PDM) are now under the fertilizer subsidy framework to boost soil organic carbon.
Data-Driven Farming: The Soil Health Card (SHC) is evolving from a mere document into a digital guide for farmers. Plans are underway to link SHC data with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to provide personalized, field-specific nutrient advice.
One-Stop Hubs: PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) are being established as village-level hubs providing quality inputs, diagnostic services, and expert advisory under one roof.
The Nano-Revolution and Policy Reform
India is emerging as a global leader in Nano-fertilizers. Products like Nano Urea and liquid bio-fertilizers significantly reduce waste while enhancing productivity. Schemes like PM-PRANAM incentivize states to reduce chemical fertilizer use and reinvest the saved subsidy into alternative nutrients. Furthermore, the integration of drones is turning the dream of "precision farming" into a reality by ensuring targeted application of inputs.
However, the path forward requires addressing the subsidy imbalance that currently favors Urea, leading to nutrient misalignment. We also need a clear regulatory framework for Organo-Mineral Fertilizers (OMFs) to combine the benefits of mineral nutrients with organic matter.
A Resilient Path to 2026
As we stand at the threshold of 2026, dreaming of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), we must realize that the road to that future runs through the bunds of our fields. The integration of 4R Stewardship, nano-innovations, and precision technologies represents more than just a change in farming technique; it is a decisive strategy for building a resilient, efficient, and future-ready agricultural ecosystem. Success requires a seamless trifecta of cooperation between the government, the industry, and the farmer. By prioritizing soil health today, we are not just farming; we are securing the food sovereignty of future generations.
Umashankar Pandey
(The author is a Padma Shri awardee and a renowned Jal Yoddha/Water Warrior)