India's overdependence on a fertilizer subsidy program is undermining its agricultural sustainability, leading to severe soil degradation and environmental pollution as farmers use fertilizers excessively.
The government's spend on fertilizer subsidies is disproportionately high, with one-ninth of the total agricultural budget allocated, yet a significant portion is lost to diversion and smuggling.
Around 70% of Indian farmers apply fertilizers without proper soil testing, degrading soil health and adversely affecting agricultural productivity, especially in crucial areas like the Indo-Gangetic plains.
The existing subsidy program discourages innovation in fertilizer manufacturing, preventing the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.
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