Government officials, researchers and other experts from across South Asia are gathering in Nepal to share their experiences with effective ways to promote the balanced use of fertilizers and explore innovative approaches that improve the application of these important nutrients in the region.
The regional policy dialogue, ‘Innovations for Advancing Farmers’ Use of Balanced Nutrient Application in South Asia,’ will include presentations on the experiences of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with balanced application of nutrients. Senior government officials, policy advisors, researchers, representatives of the fertilizer industry, digital innovators in the extension space, grassroots organizations, and donors engaged in soil nutrient management are set to participate in the discussion.
“Balanced fertilizer application is a vital issue for the region,” country director for India at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Arabinda Padhee, said, adding that the proper application of these nutrients can increase farm productivity and boost profitability for farmers without compromising quality and environmental outcomes. “These discussions will help us develop recommendations on improving fertilizer policy in South Asia.”
Imbalanced fertilizer use has been a widespread problem in South Asia, due largely to distortionary subsidies and a lack of scientific information and adequate extension messaging on soil health and crop nutrient requirements among farmers. Over the last decade, countries in South Asia have tested an array of policies, technologies and extension approaches to address fertilizer prices and the information farmers have about using them effectively. Some of these changes have come to stay while others were quickly reversed.
“Today, we are seeing important market innovations in the fertilizer industry, including customized blends, the implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) programmes, and changes in the structure of subsidy programs,” said research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Avinash Kishore. “Our colleagues across the region have vital information to share about these new approaches, and the role that national policy can play in promoting them.”
The dialogue will also address the advancement of new technology for detecting existing soil properties and generating recommendations for balanced nutrient use, including soil health cards, digital soil maps, and new extension services.
“Technology is giving us new tools to speed up the soil testing process, increase its accuracy, and share this information with farmers,” senior research fellow at IFPRI David Spielman said, adding that the question now is what role national policies can play in expanding the use of these tool and reducing their cost.
Organisers say they hope the deliberations will encourage cross-country learnings from successes and failures and enable researchers and policy makers to take concrete actions in successful implementation of policy priorities.
The regional policy dialogue, ‘Innovations for Advancing Farmers’ Use of Balanced Nutrient Application in South Asia,’ will include presentations on the experiences of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with balanced application of nutrients. Senior government officials, policy advisors, researchers, representatives of the fertilizer industry, digital innovators in the extension space, grassroots organizations, and donors engaged in soil nutrient management are set to participate in the discussion.
“Balanced fertilizer application is a vital issue for the region,” country director for India at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Arabinda Padhee, said, adding that the proper application of these nutrients can increase farm productivity and boost profitability for farmers without compromising quality and environmental outcomes. “These discussions will help us develop recommendations on improving fertilizer policy in South Asia.”
Imbalanced fertilizer use has been a widespread problem in South Asia, due largely to distortionary subsidies and a lack of scientific information and adequate extension messaging on soil health and crop nutrient requirements among farmers. Over the last decade, countries in South Asia have tested an array of policies, technologies and extension approaches to address fertilizer prices and the information farmers have about using them effectively. Some of these changes have come to stay while others were quickly reversed.
“Today, we are seeing important market innovations in the fertilizer industry, including customized blends, the implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) programmes, and changes in the structure of subsidy programs,” said research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Avinash Kishore. “Our colleagues across the region have vital information to share about these new approaches, and the role that national policy can play in promoting them.”
The dialogue will also address the advancement of new technology for detecting existing soil properties and generating recommendations for balanced nutrient use, including soil health cards, digital soil maps, and new extension services.
“Technology is giving us new tools to speed up the soil testing process, increase its accuracy, and share this information with farmers,” senior research fellow at IFPRI David Spielman said, adding that the question now is what role national policies can play in expanding the use of these tool and reducing their cost.
Organisers say they hope the deliberations will encourage cross-country learnings from successes and failures and enable researchers and policy makers to take concrete actions in successful implementation of policy priorities.
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