The Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) of fertilizers in India remains relatively low, according to information shared in the Rajya Sabha. NUE refers to the proportion of applied fertilizer nutrients that are effectively absorbed and utilized by crops for growth and yield.
In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Upper House on March 10, Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, stated that experimental studies conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other research institutions indicate that nutrient utilization in Indian agriculture varies across nutrients.
According to these studies:
- Nitrogen (N): 30–45% utilization
- Phosphorus (P): 15–25% utilization
- Potassium (K): 50–60% utilization
The Minister noted that NUE levels are influenced by several factors, including crop type, soil characteristics, agro-climatic conditions, fertilizer source, application methods, irrigation practices, and overall crop management techniques.
Low nutrient use efficiency implies that a significant portion of applied fertilizers is lost through processes such as leaching, volatilization, and runoff, which can affect both farm productivity and environmental sustainability.
Source: PIB
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