Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer usage by 50% has evoked mixed reactions in Odisha. While Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo welcomed the suggestion, farmer leaders urged the government to formulate a policy for a strategic reduction in chemical fertilizer use across the country, including Odisha.
Farmer Leaders Call for Policy and Incentives
Akshaya Kumar, national convenor of Navnirman Krushak Sangathan, expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister's remarks on reducing chemical fertilizers but emphasized the need for a concrete policy. "The farmers who have been using chemical fertilizers for different crops over the last several decades cannot change their habits overnight. Their lands will take time to adapt to natural farming. The expectation of high yield drives farmers to use chemical fertilizers. To bring them back to their roots requires proper planning, training, and incentives. The PM's one appeal will not change anything," Kumar said.
Farmers Express Practical Concerns
Bijay Palai, a farmer from Ganjam, highlighted the dependency on chemical fertilizers. "Our land is habituated to chemical fertilizers. Without them, we cannot easily grow paddy or other crops. Adopting natural farming will not be a cakewalk, and yield will be substantially reduced. Who will compensate for our loss?" he questioned.
Another farmer, Gopi Sahu from Khurda, acknowledged the benefits of natural farming but stressed the need for government support. "Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not good for soil, farmers, or consumers. But the government should help us transition back to natural farming," he added.
Skepticism Over Government Commitment
Ashok Pradhan, a farmer leader from western Odisha, pointed out that farmer organizations have long advocated for natural farming and restrictions on chemical fertilizers. "But the government did not consider it. After several years, the Prime Minister, realizing the uncertainty in global fertilizer supply, is now suggesting natural farming. This call to reduce chemical fertilizers is like a reverse-green revolution. The government has promoted chemical fertilizers since the inception of the Green Revolution. Now the PM talks about reduction. I am skeptical whether farmers will accept it," he said.
Deputy CM Endorses PM's Appeal
Deputy Chief Minister Singh Deo, who also holds the agriculture portfolio, expressed his support. "I have been advising farmers to adopt natural farming to reduce input costs and provide healthy food to consumers. I endorse the PM's appeal to farmers to cut chemical fertilizer use," he said.
