Promoting balanced use of fertilisers

Substantial and sustainable promotion of balanced use of fertilisers is essential. It can be the best way of protecting soil health from further degradation. It will also boost crop production to ensure food security. Thus, habituating the grassroots farmers towards soil-test-based balanced use of fertilisers is necessary. If the farmers are enriched with the knowledge of balanced fertiliser use, the demand for fertiliser will reduce. It requires awareness among farmers on using appropriate and balanced fertiliser in the soil. The balanced use of fertiliser is necessary to protect public health.

In this connection, the role of the field-level officials of the agriculture department is essential, especially, of the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO). The officers should take responsibility. They should work on letting the farmers know about the balanced use of fertiliser. To do so, the farmers also need to see the condition of the soil. As soil nutrients have gradually been declining due to the disproportionate use of fertiliser, soil productivity is also reduced. Agriculture scientists in Bangladesh have already found that use of organic matter is declining. Moreover, use of leguminous green manure and bio-fertilisers are also absent. These two factors cause soil degradation. So, it is time to push for soil-test-based fertiliser use comprehensively.

Lavlu Khan

Mymensingh