Agricultural News - 13/07/2025

Punjab Farmers Shift to Direct Marketing and Processing: Transforming Produce into Profitable Brands

Summary (with background):

Punjab's farmers are bypassing the traditional mandi system to directly process and sell their agricultural produce, thus increasing their profit margins significantly. This trend includes setting up local outlets, bottling and branding items such as mustard oil, jaggery, and sugarcane juice.

One highlighted example:

A farmer with 1.25 acres of sugarcane land would traditionally earn ~₹2 lakh annually.
By selling fresh sugarcane juice directly, he now earns ₹1.5–2.0 lakh per day, pushing annual revenue to ₹5–6 lakh.

Another farmer has developed 225+ home-processed items, all sourced from his own farm.

This marks a growing trend in value-addition and agripreneurship, potentially reshaping the way Indian agriculture interacts with the market.

Political Importance:

Encourages policy reforms in favor of on-farm processing units, agri-marketing deregulation, and ease of doing agri-business.
Aligns with central government missions like Atmanirbhar Bharat and PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME).
May influence agricultural marketing laws and Mandi Act revisions in various states.

Environmental Importance:

Promotes local consumption, reducing transport-related carbon emissions.
Encourages seasonal and regional eating, reducing food miles.
Home processing often uses low-energy and sustainable methods, such as jaggery making or cold-pressed oils.

Social Importance:

Boosts rural employment and youth engagement in agriculture.
Revives traditional food preparation methods, enhancing cultural continuity.
Improves nutritional awareness through access to fresher, chemical-free products.
Empowers women and SHGs, as home-based processing units often involve family members.

Technological Importance:

Involves low-cost agri-tech like oil extraction units, cane crushers, vacuum sealers, and cold-press machines.
Potential for digital adoption: QR-code based branding, UPI payment integration, social media marketing, and direct-to-consumer platforms.
Supports grassroots innovation in packaging, food preservation, and branding.

Economical Importance:

Direct marketing eliminates middlemen, increasing farmgate income by 2x to 5x.
Converts perishable produce into longer shelf-life goods, reducing wastage.
Creates rural micro-enterprises, enhancing the rural economy.
Encourages crop diversification based on market demand rather than MSP dependency.

Legal Importance:

Relies on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) compliance for packaged goods.
Small-scale processors need clarity on licensing, labelling, and taxation (GST).
Calls for simplification of legal frameworks to ease formalization of on-farm businesses.

Opinion (In My Point of View):

This trend reflects a silent revolution in Indian agriculture. Farmers moving from being mere producers to processors and brand creators is a step toward real empowerment. Not only does this model ensure better returns, but it also decentralizes the food supply chain, making it more resilient and locally sustainable.

I believe this is the future of Indian farming — where value addition, local branding, and direct marketing become the norm. However, the government must step in with infrastructure support, simplified regulations, and financial incentives to make this transformation inclusive and scalable across India.

India–US Trade Talks Face Stalemate Over GM Crops, Dairy and Ethanol Access

Summary (with background context)

India and the United States are engaged in trade negotiations that may reduce agricultural tariffs to below 20%, potentially benefiting bilateral trade. However, talks have stalled due to key disagreements — particularly on genetically modified (GM) crops, dairy access, and ethanol imports.

The U.S. has requested India to open its markets to GM corn and soybeans, but India has firmly rejected this, citing food sovereignty and environmental concerns.
India also faces pressure to allow U.S. dairy and ethanol products, which may impact domestic farmers.
India currently bans cultivation and import of GM food crops (except GM cotton), aiming to protect its ~100 million small and marginal farmers and the growing organic food market.
If the trade deal fails to resolve these non-tariff barriers, the Indian farm sector may stay insulated — but at the cost of losing export opportunities, especially in high-value processed foods and organic produce.

Political Importance

Maintaining sovereignty over food safety laws is politically important for India.
Any concession on GM crops or foreign dairy can trigger domestic backlash from farmer groups, environmental activists, and regional parties.
The issue is sensitive ahead of elections in key agrarian states like Punjab and Maharashtra.
From a geopolitical standpoint, trade talks signal India’s effort to balance strategic partnerships with national interests, especially amidst shifting global trade dynamics post-COVID and post-Ukraine war.

Environmental Importance

India’s resistance to GM imports is rooted in concerns over biodiversity loss, gene contamination, and pesticide overuse.
Ethanol imports from corn could discourage India’s climate-adaptive ethanol blending program, which relies more on sugarcane, rice straw, and millet by-products.
Protecting organic zones like Sikkim, parts of Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand is crucial for sustainable farming and eco-tourism.

Social Importance

Accepting GM imports may adversely affect livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who rely on indigenous, low-input systems.
Indian consumers still show high skepticism towards GM foods, due to health and ethical concerns.
Dairy imports could hurt Indian desi cow breeds and local cooperative systems like AMUL, reducing rural income and social cohesion in dairy-dependent regions.

Technological Importance

U.S. pressure highlights the innovation gap in Indian agri-biotech, as India has yet to approve any food GM crop after Bt cotton (approved in 2002).
However, India is investing in indigenous research in genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9), biofortified crops, and AI-based traceability to boost productivity without foreign GMOs.
The ethanol debate may force India to upgrade its biofuel standards and refining technologies to maintain competitiveness.

Economical Importance

Reducing tariffs below 20% could make India more competitive in global food value chains, especially for processed organic foods, spices, and niche products.
However, opening up to U.S. GM soy or corn may disturb domestic price mechanisms and lower farmgate prices for Indian producers.
India’s dairy sector (~₹13 lakh crore in 2024) and ethanol industry (₹20,000+ crore) may face pressure if imports are allowed.
At the same time, unresolved non-tariff barriers hinder India’s own agri-export targets of $100 billion by 2030.

Legal Importance

India’s Environmental Protection Act (1986), Seed Act, and FSSAI regulations currently ban GM food crops unless explicitly approved — which no GM food crop has been to date.
Trade deal provisions may challenge these laws, especially under WTO pressure or bilateral dispute mechanisms.
Any changes would require Parliamentary approval and public consultation, making legal amendments complex.

Opinion (from my point of view)

From my perspective, this negotiation reflects a classic strategic trade-off between short-term global integration and long-term domestic sustainability. While tariff reduction may open new business avenues in food processing, logistics, and exports, the inclusion of sensitive items like GM crops and dairy imports raises operational and reputational risks for Indian firms.

Indian agribusinesses should leverage this uncertainty by positioning themselves as global leaders in non-GM, organic, and sustainable products, differentiating from U.S. counterparts.
The situation also calls for strong supply chain innovation, traceability tech (like blockchain), and farmer aggregation to capture export markets without compromising on local values.
Lastly, strategic policy lobbying and public–private partnerships will be crucial to balance trade liberalization with stakeholder protection, especially when national food systems are involved.

Centre Cracks Down on Fake Fertilizers: Urgent Orders Issued to States and UTs

Summary (with background)

The Government of India has directed all states and union territories to take immediate and stringent action against the production, distribution, and sale of fake and substandard fertilizers. This decision follows multiple reports of counterfeit fertilizers being sold to unsuspecting farmers, especially during peak kharif and rabi seasons.

Fertilizers such as urea, DAP, and NPK are heavily subsidized in India, with subsidies exceeding ₹2 lakh crore (FY 2023–24).
A recent survey by the Department of Fertilizers found adulteration and diversion of fertilizers, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Farmers using such fake inputs have reported lower yields, soil degradation, and financial losses.

The Centre has now asked states to:

Strengthen the Fertilizer Quality Control laboratories.
Increase raids and inspections at storage and sale points.
Punish violators under the Essential Commodities Act and Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.

Political Importance

Fertilizer availability is a politically sensitive issue, especially in agrarian states.
The directive reflects the Centre’s effort to retain farmer trust, particularly in light of upcoming elections in key states.
Tackling black marketing supports the narrative of pro-farmer governance and ensures proper delivery of subsidies funded by taxpayer money.

Environmental Importance

Use of fake or substandard fertilizers can lead to soil toxicity, nutrient imbalance, and long-term degradation of land.
Genuine fertilizers follow nutrient ratios that support balanced fertilization and sustainable agriculture, while fake ones may harm microbial biodiversity and water bodies through leaching.

Social Importance

Small and marginal farmers, who rely on government-subsidized inputs, are the worst affected.
Crop failure due to fake fertilizers leads to food insecurity, rural indebtedness, and mental stress among farmers.
Ensuring fertilizer authenticity helps restore confidence in agricultural systems and prevents rural distress.

Technological Importance

The directive may accelerate the adoption of digital tracking and QR coding on fertilizer bags.
Promotes blockchain-based supply chain transparency and real-time monitoring systems for fertilizer distribution.
Fertilizer testing labs need modern analytical tools like chromatography, NIR spectroscopy, and AI-assisted quality assessment.

Economical Importance

The annual fertilizer subsidy budget is ₹2.25 lakh crore (FY 2024–25 projected). Fake fertilizers represent a leakage of national resources.
Genuine input usage is linked to higher crop productivity and farmer incomes, boosting GDP from agriculture.
Black marketing distorts the market and creates price inflation, affecting input affordability for smallholders.

Legal Importance

Under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, producing or selling fake fertilizers is a cognizable and punishable offence.
Violations can lead to imprisonment up to 7 years, cancellation of dealership licenses, and seizure of material.
The directive may encourage strengthening of enforcement agencies, appointment of special fertilizer inspectors, and faster judicial action.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

In my view, this is a timely and much-needed intervention. The sale of fake fertilizers is not just an economic crime, but a betrayal of farmer trust and a threat to national food security. While subsidies are meant to empower farmers, they are being exploited by corrupt intermediaries.

I believe the solution lies in a three-fold strategy:

Stringent on-ground inspections and exemplary punishment to offenders.
Tech-enabled tracking of every fertilizer bag from plant to farm.
Farmer education campaigns to help identify genuine vs fake products.

Ultimately, curbing fertilizer fraud will enhance productivity, conserve soil health, and strengthen the rural economy—making agriculture more resilient and future-ready.

End of ₹1 Crop Insurance Scheme Triggers 95% Drop in Farmer Enrollments for Kharif 2025

Summary (with background)

The discontinuation of India’s highly popular ₹1 crop insurance scheme has led to a massive 95% fall in farmer applications for the ongoing Kharif 2025 season.

Under the earlier Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) subsidized model, many states (like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan) had implemented ultra-low premium rates of ₹1 per crop for small and marginal farmers.
With the scheme withdrawn or modified in several states, premium costs have now risen to ₹500–₹800 per hectare, deterring farmer participation.
This exposes millions of farmers to climate-related risks, especially as the monsoon remains erratic and unseasonal rains, droughts, and hailstorms have increased in frequency.

Political Importance

The rollback has triggered political criticism from farmer unions and opposition parties, especially in election-bound states.
Crop insurance is a key voter-sensitive issue, and the decline in coverage may be perceived as anti-farmer governance.
It also affects India's climate resilience commitments under national and international frameworks like the SDGs and UNFCCC.

Environmental Importance

In the face of increasing climate volatility — including delayed monsoons, floods, and heatwaves — the absence of insurance leaves farmers unable to recover from natural disasters.
Lack of financial risk cover could lead to overuse of groundwater, excessive chemical inputs, or soil exploitation, as farmers try to minimize short-term losses.

Social Importance

A large share of India’s 120 million+ farming families, especially small and marginal farmers, now face financial ruin if crops fail.
Could trigger mental health crises, migration, and rural distress.
Impacts women-headed farms and tenant farmers more severely, who often lack access to formal credit and savings.

Technological Importance

The setback may slow down adoption of tech-enabled insurance models that rely on satellite imagery, remote sensing, and AI for yield estimation.
It also discourages platforms offering weather-indexed insurance, blockchain-based claim systems, and mobile-based premium payment systems.

Economical Importance

Premium rise from ₹1 to ₹800/ha means a cost jump of nearly 80,000% — unaffordable for farmers earning ₹15,000–₹30,000 per acre annually.
Farmers without insurance are forced to rely on informal loans or government compensation, both of which are inefficient and delayed.
The insurance crisis may reduce agri-lending by banks, affecting overall rural credit flow and GDP from agriculture.

Legal Importance

PMFBY is a central-sector scheme, but implementation and premium subsidies depend on state cooperation.
The scheme is governed by insurance contract law under IRDAI regulations, and the current situation reveals gaps in enforcement and farmer protection.
There is also legal ambiguity over compulsory enrollment for loanee farmers, which has now weakened.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

From my perspective, withdrawing or modifying the ₹1 crop insurance scheme without offering an affordable alternative is a strategic policy misstep. It disproportionately impacts smallholders who are already on the frontlines of climate change.

policy-oriented approach should involve:

Public–private partnerships to offer tiered premium models based on farm size or risk profile.
Digitization of claim processing to restore trust and reduce fraud.
Incentivizing states to co-finance premiums through central grants.

Instead of dismantling a successful scheme, reforms should focus on expanding coverage, enhancing transparency, and integrating technology for precision-based assessment. Risk transfer mechanisms like insurance must be seen not as a subsidy, but as strategic investment in food security and farmer dignity.

Haryana Launches Statewide Solarization of Agricultural Tubewells to Promote Green Farming

Summary (with background)

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has unveiled an ambitious initiative to transition all agricultural tubewells to solar power in a phased manner.

The scheme is part of the state’s effort to reduce dependence on conventional electricity, cut irrigation costs, and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
Haryana has over 6 lakh agricultural tubewells, most powered by subsidized grid electricity or diesel.
The plan aligns with national targets under the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme, which aims to solarize 35 lakh pumps nationwide.

The move is expected to provide clean, uninterrupted power to farmers, reduce burden on the state’s power grid, and help meet renewable energy targets.

Political Importance

The announcement strengthens the state government’s pro-farmer and pro-environment image, especially ahead of state assembly elections.
It showcases alignment with the central government’s green energy vision, enhancing centre-state cooperation.
The scheme could also be a model for other states to follow, strengthening Haryana’s leadership in sustainable rural energy.

Environmental Importance

Transitioning to solar will drastically cut carbon emissions, as diesel-powered pumps emit around 2.6 kg of CO₂ per litre of fuel.
It promotes clean energy adoption in rural areas, helping India meet its National Solar Mission goals.
Reduced use of fossil fuels will improve air and groundwater quality.

Social Importance

Farmers will gain access to reliable daytime power, reducing dependency on erratic grid supply.
It will especially benefit women and smallholder farmers, as solar systems reduce physical labor and manual irrigation.
May help in reducing rural–urban migration by improving farming conditions.

Technological Importance

Encourages installation of off-grid and grid-connected solar systems, smart inverters, and energy-efficient irrigation setups.
Drives demand for solar panel manufacturing, agri-tech startups, and rural technicians.
Offers scope for remote monitoring, IoT integration, and battery storage solutions.

Economical Importance

Farmers save ₹6,000–₹15,000 annually on diesel or electricity bills depending on usage.
Reduces subsidy burden on state DISCOMs, which currently bear thousands of crores in power subsidies to the agri sector.
Could create green jobs in rural solar installation, maintenance, and servicing.
Potential to increase crop productivity through assured irrigation.

Legal Importance

The initiative is covered under central frameworks like PM-KUSUM, which mandates 60% subsidy (30% central + 30% state) on solar pump installation.
Farmers may need to register land, pump details, and Aadhaar for availing benefits.
Must comply with MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) guidelines and State Electricity Regulatory Commission policies.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

From my point of view, Haryana’s phased solarization of tubewells is a visionary step toward energy security and agricultural sustainability. It addresses multiple challenges at once — power shortage, rising input costs, and environmental degradation.

For long-term success:

The scheme should ensure inclusive access, especially for small and tenant farmers.
Financing models like RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) or pay-as-you-use schemes can improve affordability.
Awareness and capacity-building efforts must accompany installation to ensure maintenance and optimal use.

This initiative reflects the future of Indian agriculture — clean, tech-integrated, and economically viable — and should be scaled nationwide with suitable regional adaptations.

Tripura Pushes for GI Tags on Indigenous Products to Boost Exports and Rural Economy

Summary (with background)

Tripura’s Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath has announced a strategic initiative to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for several unique local agri-products, including:

Sidol Shutki – a traditional fermented fish delicacy.
Sabri Banana – a sweet, flavorful indigenous banana variety.
Other niche products from Tripura’s rich biodiversity.

Additionally, the state has exported 73.15 metric tonnes of pineapple to Dubai, Oman, and Qatar over the last seven years, showcasing Tripura’s emerging role in northeast agri-exports.

GI tagging is aimed at:

Preserving cultural heritage
Ensuring product authenticity
Enhancing market value, especially in exports

Political Importance

Reinforces regional identity and pride, a politically sensitive and emotionally resonant issue in the northeast.
Helps the Tripura government highlight its work on tribal and rural empowerment.
Boosts India’s Act East policy by linking local products to global markets.

Environmental Importance

Promotes conservation of traditional crops and indigenous species, reducing reliance on hybrid varieties.
Encourages low-input, sustainable agricultural practices that are often used for traditional varieties like Sabri banana.
GI tags indirectly support eco-friendly processing of products like fermented fish without industrial additives.

Social Importance

Strengthens rural and tribal livelihoods, especially women and artisan groups involved in local food processing and traditional cultivation.
Preserves culinary and cultural heritage of ethnic communities.
Increases community pride and ownership over local bio-resources.

Technological Importance

Encourages digitization through product traceability, labeling, and blockchain-enabled supply chain systems for GI goods.
Opens avenues for agro-processing startups to build on GI-tagged branding.
Promotes packaging, preservation, and export technology tailored for perishable ethnic products.

Economical Importance

GI tags can increase product value by 20% to 30%, according to WTO and WIPO data.
Export of 73.15 MT of pineapple from a small state like Tripura proves the potential of high-value niche exports.
Enhances farmer income through premium pricing, domestic e-commerce, and international trade.
Could attract FDI and government subsidies in value chain development for GI-based clusters.

Legal Importance

GI protection is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Once registered, misuse of the product name by non-origin entities becomes legally punishable.
Ensures IP rights for rural communities, enabling them to claim market ownership and legal recognition.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

In my opinion, Tripura’s move toward GI recognition is a masterstroke in transforming cultural identity into economic opportunity. This initiative perfectly blends rural entrepreneurship, food sovereignty, and export potential.

To maximize impact:

The state should build value chains with proper branding, hygiene standards, and packaging.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and SHGs should be trained to manage and market these GI goods effectively.
A Tripura GI Export Hub can be set up to connect producers directly with global buyers.

This initiative is not just about a label — it’s about economic justice, rural branding, and India’s soft power on the global food map.

Haryana Empowers Women Through “Drone Didi Yojana” for Precision Farming and Natural Input Application

Summary (with background)

The Haryana government has launched the “Drone Didi Yojana”, aiming to train 5,000 women in drone operation and agricultural applications. This is part of a broader effort to integrate modern technology with natural farming practices.

Key components:

Use of drones for spraying Jeevamrit – a fermented organic fertilizer prepared using cow dung, urine, and natural ingredients.
Drones used in crop health monitoring, pest/disease detection, and precision nutrient application.
Training focuses on hands-on operation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship in drone services.

This initiative is aligned with PM Modi’s vision of Drone Shakti, focusing on tech inclusion in agriculture and women-led development.

Political Importance

Strengthens the “Nari Shakti” narrative, promoting gender inclusion in agri-tech sectors.
Positions Haryana as a model state for agri-tech implementation, which can influence central funding and recognition.
Supports the Natural Farming movement, a central government flagship program.

Environmental Importance

Drones enable precision spraying, reducing overuse of water and chemicals.
Promoting Jeevamrit supports chemical-free, soil-friendly farming practices.
Decreases carbon footprint by replacing diesel-powered sprayers and manual operations.

Social Importance

Empowers 5,000 rural women, creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Breaks gender barriers in STEM and drone technology sectors.
Enhances community respect and self-reliance among women farmers and SHGs.

Technological Importance

Promotes agricultural drone adoption for tasks such as spraying, mapping, and monitoring.
Encourages skill development in UAV piloting, maintenance, and data analytics.
Integrates IoT and AI-based tools for real-time monitoring and farm-level decision support.

Economical Importance

Drone spraying reduces input cost by 20–30%, according to ICAR estimates.
Women-led drone service units can earn ₹1,000–₹2,000 per acre by offering services to nearby farms.
Boosts rural entrepreneurship, tech-enabled agri-services, and agri-tourism potential.

Legal Importance

Trainees will be guided under DGCA-approved training protocols.
Drone use in agriculture must comply with Unmanned Aircraft System Rules (2021) and CAR 2.0 guidelines.
Ensures safety standards, flight permissions, and data compliance at the local level.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

From my perspective, the Drone Didi Yojana is a revolutionary fusion of women empowerment, organic farming, and frontier technology. It redefines the rural landscape by giving women a tech-based identity and business model.

For long-term sustainability:

There should be dedicated drone hubs in rural clusters for maintenance and shared services.
Integration with agri-startup incubators and NABARD funding can scale this model.
This initiative can be extended to monitoring water levels, yield estimation, and even disaster response.

This is not just about flying drones — it’s about lifting aspirations, productivity, and dignity of women in Indian agriculture.

China Halts Specialty Fertilizer Exports to India: Supply Disruption Triggers Push for Self-Reliance

Summary (with background)

Over the past two months, China has completely suspended the export of specialty fertilizers to India, creating a significant supply chain disruption.

China accounts for nearly 80% of India's specialty fertilizer imports, including water-soluble fertilizers, micronutrients, chelated compounds, and biostimulants.
These fertilizers are crucial for high-value horticulture, greenhouse crops, floriculture, and export-oriented farming (grapes, apples, pomegranates, etc.).
The export halt has led to shortages, price surges, and pressure on Indian farmers during the Kharif 2025 season.

The crisis has triggered urgent policy discussions on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in the agri-input sector, especially in customized nutrient formulations and specialty products.

Political Importance

The disruption highlights India’s strategic vulnerability in agricultural input imports.
Reinforces the government’s focus on Make in India, leading to calls for faster establishment of indigenous specialty fertilizer units.
May push for bilateral diversification of suppliers, including the Middle East, Israel, and Europe.

Environmental Importance

The shortage could cause farmers to revert to overuse of generic chemical fertilizers, leading to soil imbalance, salinity, and nutrient toxicity.
Specialty fertilizers play a critical role in precision agriculture and sustainable nutrient management, especially in rainfed and degraded soils.

Social Importance

Farmers growing fruits, vegetables, and export-oriented crops are the most affected, many of whom are smallholders.
Reduced productivity due to lack of specialty nutrition can impact farmer incomes, debt levels, and market reputation, particularly in export zones like Nashik (grapes), Himachal (apples), and Maharashtra (pomegranate).
Youth agri-entrepreneurs and agri-tech startups relying on specialty input services are also hit.

Technological Importance

The crisis creates a strong case for domestic R&D in nano-fertilizers, slow-release formulations, and precision nutrient blends.
Promotes use of AI and soil-mapping tools to develop crop-specific, region-specific fertilizers.
Urgency to invest in pilot production units, contract manufacturing, and biotech-based input synthesis.

Economical Importance

India’s specialty fertilizer market is valued at over ₹8,000 crore (~$1 billion), with annual demand growing at 15–20% CAGR.
Price hikes of 20–50% have been reported in the past month for water-soluble NPKs, calcium nitrate, boronated fertilizers, etc.
Disruption impacts horticulture export revenue, which crossed ₹24,000 crore in 2024, particularly in fresh produce.

Legal Importance

The situation could prompt changes in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) to fast-track product approvals, local licensing, and quality certification.
May attract PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes for domestic specialty fertilizer manufacturing.
Trade negotiations under WTO rules or FTAs may also be leveraged to ensure uninterrupted supply in the future.

Opinion (In My Point of View)

In my view, this crisis is both a wake-up call and an opportunity. India's overdependence on one country for critical inputs like specialty fertilizers was a clear strategic risk.

To convert crisis into opportunity:

The government must set up Specialty Fertilizer Parks with R&D, manufacturing, and export facilitation zones.
Offer subsidies, tax waivers, and investment incentives for Indian startups and MSMEs working on advanced agri-nutrition solutions.
Farmer cooperatives and FPOs should be encouraged to bulk-procure and distribute indigenously produced specialty inputs, supported by agri-universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

India must now invest in becoming globally competitive in this space, not only for domestic resilience but also as an exporter of sustainable agri-nutrition.