Government Pushes Crop Diversification to Improve Soil Health

 

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has warned that the overuse of chemical fertilisers and excessive irrigation is harming soil health in many parts of India. He said these practices are slowly reducing the fertility of the soil, which may affect crop production in the long run.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he stressed the need for farmers to adopt more sustainable farming methods. He encouraged crop diversification and suggested shifting towards crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds, which require less water and are better for the soil.

The minister also mentioned that the government is running several programmes to support this shift. These initiatives aim to help farmers grow alternative crops and improve their productivity.

Chouhan added that millet cultivation is increasing across the country due to its nutritional value and lower resource needs. He also recognised the important role farmers have played in ensuring food security, especially in states like Punjab, and said they should not be blamed entirely for environmental challenges.

Overall, he highlighted the need to protect soil health by using resources wisely and adopting more balanced farming practices for a sustainable future.

 

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