Table of Contents
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 1 : All is not well with Soil
Context: The Fertiliser Subsidy Challenge
Fertiliser subsidies have played a significant role in boosting agricultural productivity in India. However, they have also caused a skewed nutrient profile in the soil, which threatens both farm productivity and human health. Immediate action is required to address these imbalances for sustainable agricultural growth.
Introduction: A Call to Care for Our Soil
The 10th World Soil Day, observed on December 5, 2024, highlighted the theme “Caring for Soils – Measure, Monitor, and Manage.” This theme is particularly relevant as India’s soils face alarming nutrient deficiencies that compromise their health and productivity. To ensure sustainable agriculture, it is crucial to measure, monitor, and manage soil health effectively.
Understanding the Role of Fertilisers in Sustainable Agriculture
Critical Role of the Fertiliser Industry
The fertiliser industry is the backbone of modern agriculture, supplying the essential nutrients required for high-yield crops. Without fertilisers, high-yielding seeds would not achieve their full potential, making the industry’s contribution indispensable to food security and agricultural growth.
The Nutrient Deficit in Indian Soils
Nutrient Imbalances at a Glance
- Nitrogen: Less than 5% of soils have sufficient nitrogen levels.
- Phosphate: Only 40% of soils have adequate phosphate.
- Potash: Merely 32% of soils have enough potash.
- Organic Carbon: Just 20% of soils have sufficient organic carbon.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in sulphur, iron, zinc, and boron are widespread, ranging from moderate to severe.
This nutrient deficit underscores the need for urgent interventions to restore soil health.
The Fertiliser Industry’s Impact
Achievements
- Timely Nutrient Supply: The industry ensures the availability of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K) for agricultural needs.
- Global Leadership in Exports: India’s fertiliser-supported agriculture has made the country the largest rice exporter globally.
- Resilience During Crises: High productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic enabled significant cereal exports.
Challenges
- Imbalanced Fertiliser Usage: Distorted pricing policies lead to overuse of nitrogen, especially in states like Punjab and Telangana. This reduces grain yields despite greener crops.
- Low Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE): At just 35–40%, much of the nitrogen applied is lost to the environment, contributing to pollution.
Issues with the Current Fertiliser Policy
Subsidy System
- Fertiliser subsidies reached ₹1.88 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, nearly 4% of the Union budget.
- Urea, priced at just $70/tonne, receives the largest subsidy, making it the cheapest globally.
Consequences of Imbalanced Usage
- Environmental Impact: Excess nitrogen leads to nitrous oxide emissions.
- Economic Loss: 20–25% of urea is diverted to non-agricultural uses or smuggled to neighboring countries.
- Agricultural Decline: Poor nutrient balance results in reduced crop productivity.
Solutions for Sustainable Fertiliser Use
1. Deregulation of Fertiliser Pricing
- Remove price controls to encourage market efficiency and innovation.
- Promote balanced fertiliser usage through competitive pricing.
2. Direct Income Support for Farmers
- Replace subsidies with digital coupons, empowering farmers to purchase fertilisers based on their specific needs.
3. Focus on Micronutrients
- Enhance the availability of micronutrients such as sulphur, iron, and boron to address deficiencies.
4. Data-Driven Policy Development
- Leverage comprehensive data on:
- Fertiliser sales
- Soil health cards
- Crop patterns
- Land records
- Farmer demographics (PM-KISAN, bank accounts, mobile numbers)
Benefits of Reform
| Stakeholder | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Farmers | Higher productivity, improved profitability through better nutrient management. |
| Environment | Reduced nitrous oxide emissions, healthier soils for long-term sustainability. |
| Fertiliser Industry | Enhanced efficiency, competitiveness, and potential for growth like the pharma sector. |
Way Forward: Paving the Path for Reform
Reforming fertiliser policies will require meticulous planning and communication. The government must triangulate multiple data sources—soil health cards, fertiliser sales, PM-KISAN records, and crop patterns—to develop precise and farmer-friendly policies.
Effective Communication
Clear communication is essential to ensure farmers understand that these reforms are in their best interest, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion
Healthy soil is the cornerstone of agricultural success and food security. By addressing imbalances in fertiliser usage, promoting data-driven policies, and ensuring sustainable practices, India can safeguard its soils for future generations while boosting agricultural productivity. Now is the time to act decisively to secure the nation’s agricultural and environmental future.
FAQs
Q. Why is soil health important for agriculture?
Ans: Soil health is essential for sustainable agriculture as it determines the fertility and productivity of the land. Healthy soil provides the necessary nutrients, supports water retention, and enhances crop yields, ensuring food security.
Q. What are the major nutrient deficiencies in Indian soils?
Ans: Indian soils face significant nutrient deficiencies:
Nitrogen (N): Less than 5% sufficiency.
Phosphate (P): 40% sufficiency.
Potash (K): 32% sufficiency.
Micronutrients: Deficiencies in sulphur, zinc, iron, and boron range from moderate to severe.
Q. How do fertiliser subsidies affect soil health?
Ans: Fertiliser subsidies, particularly for nitrogen-rich urea, have led to imbalanced nutrient usage. Overuse of nitrogen depletes other nutrients, reduces soil fertility, and causes environmental damage like nitrous oxide emissions.
Q. What is the Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) in India, and why is it low?
Ans: Nutrient Use Efficiency in India is only 35–40%. The inefficiency arises from:
Over-application of nitrogen.
Loss of nutrients through leaching, volatilization, and runoff.
Lack of balanced fertiliser application practices.
Q. What are the environmental consequences of imbalanced fertiliser usage?
Ans: Overuse of nitrogen-based fertilisers causes:
Nitrous oxide emissions: A greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
Soil degradation: Loss of organic carbon and reduced fertility.
Water pollution: Nitrogen runoff contaminates groundwater and rivers.
Analysis of The Indian Express Editorial 2 : Unfreezing Ties
Context: Reigniting Political Dialogue
After a prolonged period of tension, India and China are poised to resume a broader political dialogue. While this offers opportunities for engagement, it also presents significant challenges, particularly given the backdrop of unresolved border issues and strategic competition.
Background: From Conflict to Tentative Progress
The bilateral relationship between India and China has been in a deep freeze since 2020. The Galwan Valley clashes that summer, which resulted in the loss of lives on both sides, followed Beijing’s unprovoked incursions in eastern Ladakh. These actions not only violated existing agreements but also shattered trust. Now, after four years, steps are being taken to thaw the icy relationship.
Current Developments: Signs of a Thaw
India has maintained a consistent stance, demanding the restoration of peace and tranquillity along the border. This includes a return to traditional troop positions and the dismantling of infrastructure constructed during heightened tensions.
Key Milestones
- Military Disengagement: After prolonged negotiations, China recently completed disengagement from six friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This milestone occurred just before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in October.
- Resumption of Talks: With military disengagement underway, diplomatic channels are reopening. Foreign secretaries and special representatives from both sides are set to resume discussions, indicating a potential shift toward broader political engagement.
India’s Approach: Balancing Security and Diplomacy
1. Border Peace and Security
India views sustained peace along the LAC as a prerequisite for any meaningful improvement in bilateral ties. Key objectives include:
- Transitioning from disengagement to de-escalation by moving troops back to peacetime locations.
- Dismantling military infrastructure built during the conflict.
2. Geopolitical Priorities
While pursuing dialogue, India remains cautious, with military preparedness as a cornerstone of its strategy. Distrust persists, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard national interests.
China’s Agenda: Economic Normalisation
China is keen to shift the focus from border disputes to economic engagement. This approach aligns with its broader strategy of fostering interdependence and influence through trade.
1. Trade and Commercial Interests
- China seeks to restore full-scale bilateral trade, urging India to lift restrictions imposed during the 2020 standoff.
- Economic ties remain significant, with Indian industries reliant on affordable Chinese imports, despite a trade deficit exceeding $100 billion annually.
2. Challenges for India
- Dependency Risks: Excessive reliance on Chinese imports undermines domestic manufacturing.
- Economic Vulnerabilities: A relaxed trade policy could exacerbate the existing trade imbalance and harm long-term self-reliance efforts.
Strategic Considerations for India
India’s strategy involves carefully balancing military and economic objectives while aligning with evolving global dynamics.
1. Military De-escalation First
- India prioritizes resolving border tensions before pursuing deeper economic engagement.
- Gradual measures, such as restoring direct flights and easing visa restrictions, are preferred for normalisation.
2. Global Geopolitical Realities
- The ongoing US-China trade war offers opportunities for India to strengthen its position as a reliable alternative in global supply chains.
- Diversifying trade partnerships and reducing dependency on China remain key goals.
Recommendations for India
To navigate this complex relationship, India must adopt a cautious and pragmatic approach.
| Area of Focus | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Engagement | Resume political dialogue only after tangible progress on border de-escalation. |
| Economic Safeguards | Protect domestic industries through anti-dumping measures and incentivize local manufacturing. |
| Leverage Global Trends | Capitalise on geopolitical shifts, such as the US-China trade war, to strengthen India’s role in global supply chains. |
| Border Readiness | Invest in military preparedness and infrastructure along the LAC to deter future provocations. |
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
India’s immediate priority must remain military de-escalation and securing peace along the LAC. Simultaneously, gradual steps like resuming direct flights and easing visa processes can build trust incrementally. By balancing security concerns with cautious economic engagement, India can ensure its sovereignty and long-term strategic interests are safeguarded while exploring pathways for improved bilateral ties.
FAQs
Q. Why are India and China resuming political dialogue now?
Ans: After four years of strained relations due to border clashes, both nations have recognized the importance of restoring dialogue. Military disengagement at key friction points has created an opportunity for broader diplomatic engagement.
Q. What triggered the tension between India and China in 2020?
Ans: Tensions began with China’s incursions in eastern Ladakh during the spring of 2020. These actions violated previous agreements and led to the Galwan Valley clashes, which resulted in the loss of soldiers on both sides.
Q. What has been India’s primary demand in resolving border disputes?
Ans: India has consistently demanded:
Restoration of peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Transition from disengagement to de-escalation, including troop withdrawals to traditional peacetime positions.
Dismantling of military infrastructure built during the conflict.
Q. How has China responded to India’s demands?
Ans: China recently completed military disengagement from six friction points on the LAC, enabling the resumption of diplomatic discussions. However, there is still significant work to be done, particularly regarding troop de-escalation and trust-building.
Q. Why does India remain cautious despite progress?
Ans: India remains cautious due to:
Lingering distrust from past violations of agreements.
The need to safeguard national security by maintaining military preparedness.
Concerns over China’s broader geopolitical ambitions and economic influence.
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