Synopsis By integrating both bio and chemical fertilisers, farmers can optimise crop production and contribute to a holistic system for the farmers, says Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia. 

 Agriculture is considered the backbone of the Indian economy. It employs more than 60% of the population and is the primary source of income for households in rural areas, where the majority of India resides. Recent initiatives by the government indicate that increased focus is being given to improve the situation of agriculture. So it is important that agrarians become aware of healthy farming practices to minimise the environmental impact.

 In an interaction with ET Digital, Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia — part of Norwegian multinational crop nutrition company and a provider of agricultural, industrial and environmental solutions — says that combining the benefits of bio-fertilisers and mineral fertilisers provides a holistic solution to maintain soil health, improve farm productivity and combat climate uncertainties. Kanwar says balanced nutrition and additional inputs can complement crop nutrition and strongly stimulate the natural plant processes amid climate change. Edited excerpts: 

 The Economic Times (ET): How do you see bio-fertilisers evolving alongside mineral fertilisers in India? Could you elaborate on the importance of integrating both to maintain farm productivity? 

 Sanjiv Kanwar (SK): Indian agriculture is embracing a balanced approach to fertilisation, combining the benefits of bio-fertilisers and mineral fertilisers, through integrated nutrient management (INM). This provides a holistic solution to maintain soil health, farm productivity and combating climate uncertainties through sustainable agricultural practices. It presents as an easily adaptable and effective solution to build climate smart agriculture. INM helps maintain a healthy balance of nutrients in the soil, supporting robust plant growth while minimising environmental impact. It also helps building resilience in plants and creates a microenvironment which promotes a robust ecosystem. By integrating both bio and chemical fertilisers, farmers can optimise crop production and contribute to a holistic system for the farmers. 

 ET: With climate change impacting crops differently, what practices or technologies does Yara recommend for farmers growing high-value crops like citrus or sugarcane? 

SK: Climate change, erratic weather patterns and abiotic stress have become a bitter truth of Indian agriculture, given the country’s huge dependency on monsoon for healthy yields. Soil degradation and nutrient depletion also pose significant challenges to long-term agricultural productivity. Yara understands that balanced nutrition and additional inputs that could complement crop nutrition and strongly stimulate the natural plant processes, forms the foundation for a successful and high-yielding crop cycle. This approach is fundamental to our practices in mitigating the risks of abiotic stress.