An increase in the export of soyabean meal helped India register 1 per cent growth in total oilmeal exports during January. Data compiled by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) showed that India exported 4.77 lakh tonnes (lt) of oilmeals in January 2024, against 4.72 lt in January 2023.
However, overall export of oilmeals was at 39.74 lt during April-January of 2023-24, against 32.88 lt in the corresponding period of 2022-23, registering 21 per cent growth.
B.V. Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said India’s price competitiveness and shortage in Argentine export supplies in recent months were behind the international demand for Indian soyabean. Crushing is expected to stay below potential in Argentina during the current quarter, limiting the export of Argentine soyabean meal, he said.
Soyabean meal exports from India increased to 15.86 lt during April-January 2023-24, against 5.57 lt in the year-ago period. India exported 3.75 lt of soyabean meal in January 2024, against 1.10 lt in January 2023.
South-East Asia and the West Asian countries are the major consumers of Indian soyabean meal. India has a logistic advantage in these destinations, and it can supply in small lots, he said.
Iran imported 2.56 lt of soyabean meal during April-January 2023-24, against 1,284 tonnes in April-January of 2022-23.
Rapeseed meal exports down
However, export of rapeseed meal from India has reduced by 70 per cent during January. India exported 71,472 tonnes of rapeseed meal during January 2024 (2.38 lt in January 2023).
Mehta attributed the decline in export of rapeseed meal to the lean crushing season and high local prices. These factors made Indian rapeseed meal expensive for export, he said.
India exported 18.95 lt of rapeseed meal during the first 10 months of 2023-24 ( 19.07 lt a year ago).
Top importers
South Korea imported 7.66 lt of oilmeals from India during April-January 2023-24 (8.06 lt in April-January 2022-23). This included 5.19 lt of rapeseed meal, 2.07 lt of castorseed meal and 39,688 tonnes of soyabean meal.
India exported 3.78 lt of oilmeals to Vietnam during April-January 2023-24 (7.52 lt). This included 90,540 tonnes of ricebran extraction, 2.36 lt of rapeseed meal, 50,760 tonnes of soyabean meal, and 905 tonnes of groundnut meal.
During April-January 2023-24, Thailand imported 5.25 lt of oilmeals from India (6.26 lt). This included 5.11 lt of rapeseed meal, 8,759 tonnes of soyabean meal, 4,666 tonnes of ricebran extraction, and 701 tonnes of castorseed meal.
Bangladesh imported 7.08 lt of oilmeals from India during the first 10 months of 2023-24 (3.64 lt). This included 27,771 tonnes of ricebran extractions, 3.19 lt of rapeseed meal, and 3.60 lt of soyabean meal.
The wholesale mandi price of guar fell in the benchmark markets across India, due to high supply and subdued demand for the crop, according to experts. The average wholesale prices of guar plummeted month-on-month to Rs 2,536.17 per quintal in February from Rs 5,074.64 in January, according to the Agmarknet portal, run by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Guar is mainly a kharif crop, which is grown in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, and Punjab. Among these states, prices of guar saw a high month-on-month fall in Maharashtra by Rs 321 per quintal to Rs 6,455 in February.
Rajasthan, which is the largest guar producer, saw a fall of Rs 179 per quintal to Rs 4,656. Similarly, in Haryana, the prices fell by Rs 106 per quintal to Rs 4,824. The falling prices in these states predominantly affected the wholesale average price of the agri-commodity.
Guar is not just a vegetable. It is used in the making of guar gum, which is mixed in food items as a thickener and is highly demanded by the food industry. It is also used in fracking, a process through which, shale gas is extracted.
However, in several states, the prices of guar have increased. States such as Chhattisgarh and Gujarat saw a month-month rise in guar prices in February, with its prices in Chhattisgarh rising by Rs 263 per quintal to Rs 6,175 and in Gujarat by Rs 251 per quintal to Rs 5,954.
For those interested in exploring the prices of various crops in their respective state markets, the official website [agmarknet.gov.in](https://agmarknet.gov.in/) provides a comprehensive list. Understanding the price dynamics of different crops and their quality assessment remains pivotal in navigating market fluctuations for farmers and traders alike.
Farmers are headed to Delhi again after a gap of two years with the demand for a guaranteed and higher minimum support price (MSP), in addition to other demands such as loan waivers, Rs 10,000 monthly pension for all farmers above 60 years, and India’s exit from WTO and free-trade agreements.
MSP has become the most prominent feature of the farmer protest. A farmer has to face risks on several counts such as weather, yield, price, government procurement system, etc. The government compensates the farmer, especially the farmer in Punjab which has been the food bowl of India, with subsidies on fertilisers, power, loans, etc. as well as providing an MSP mechanism.
MSP is the price at which the government purchases crops from the farmers, providing them with assured income for their produce. This price acts as a safety net for farmers, ensuring they receive a fair price for their crops, particularly during times of market fluctuations or when market prices fall below the MSP.
The shrill demand for more and guaranteed MSP will make anyone believe that all the agriculture in Punjab and its farmers need is higher and guaranteed prices from the government for crops for prosperity. But agriculture in Punjab is struggling with several structural issues for which guaranteed MSP can’t even be a temporary fix let alone a solution. On the contrary, it will keep worsening the situation. The crises that besiege agriculture in Punjab rarely get so much play from farmer unions as MSP. That’s short-sightedness which can turn out to be dangerous for farmers in the long term.
The mega crisis that remains hidden
The biggest problem Punjab agriculture faces today is desertification. Plunging water tables are turning fertile land into desert. According to a Punjab government report published in 2018, groundwater in about 79% of the state’s area is over-exploited, and groundwater resources are likely to be used up completely by 2039, following which only annual replenishable resources will be available for consumption.
In 2020, the Central Ground Water Board conducted a block-wise assessment of groundwater resources in Punjab. As per the report, out of 150 blocks assessed, only 17 blocks were found to have groundwater levels in the “safe” zone. As many as 133 blocks had “over-exploited” groundwater resources, of which at least six were in the “critical” zone.
As per the parameters of the Central Ground Water Board, “safe” means less than 70% of the groundwater resources have been extracted and “critical” means more than 90% has been extracted.
Punjab’s groundwater in the first 100 metres – which is often called the “good quality” mark – is likely to get exhausted by 2029. And by 2039, it shall drop below 300 metres – a level at which the quality of water is too contaminated to be used for anything.
Punjab fast turning into a desert is the elephant in the room while the discourse on agriculture is dominated by higher MSP and more subsidies, the factors that led to the depletion of groundwater in the first place.
For decades, experts as well as the government have emphasised the need to break out of the wheat-paddy cycle, a vicious cycle for Punjab agriculture. Paddy is a water-guzzling crop that thrives on subsidised power needed to pump out ground water with tubewells.
The wheat-paddy cycle and subsidies are remnants from the days of the Green Revolution when Punjab became the food bowl of the country. But when India is no longer grain-defficient and other states such as Madhya Pradesh vie with Punjab in wheat production, Punjab is still stuck in the wheat-paddy cycle. If the status quo persists, a large area in Punjab will turn into a desert unsuitable for most crops. Since subsidies, higher MSP, loan waivers, etc. are seen as easy fixes for Punjab’s agriculture
crisis marked by suicides by thousands of indebted small farmers, farmer bodies as well as governments focus on these instead of fixing the structural problems with a long-term impact. This status quo is dangerous for Punjab as well as its farmers.
Unruly farmers heading towards Delhi might appear unreasonable and politically motivated, but what lies behind constant unrest among Punjab farmers is not just politics but sustained policy failure. What worked during the Green Revolution, when India sought to create self-sufficiency in agricultural production and incentivised farmers to produce more and more of wheat and paddy, no longer works now when India is food surplus. But governments or farmer leaders have no will or courage to take the bull by the horns. That’s why public discourse on Punjab agriculture always centres on easier and instantly addressable issues such as higher procurement prices and freebies.
What is the solution?
From time to time, experts suggest crop diversification so as Punjab breaks out of the wheat-paddy cycle which is bringing its water table down and prevents farmers from getting remunerative prices for their produce. But there is little consensus on how it can be done. Farmer-dominant Punjab politics makes it difficult for any political party to introduce any radical structural change. The very mention of doing away with power subsidies sends a shiver down the spine of the politician .
Diversification via MSP and subsidies is impossible due to lack of institutional capacity. The government cannot buy all kinds of crops and store them. Over decades, Food Corporation of India has gained notoriety for grains rotting in its storage.
Only heavy investment in storage and processing of agricultural produce can support any substantial and meaningful diversification of crops. This investment can come only from the private sector which can build factories, cold chains and storages at large scale. That brings us back to the three farm laws which had brought angry farmers to Delhi two years ago. While the Central government tried to push ambitious restructuring of farming in Punjab, farmers did not believe the government. They have got to used to
subsidies and selling to the government, they doubted if the private scetor will give them a fair deal. They also feared the government support mechanism will suddenly vanish, leaving them to the mercy of corporates who will then be there only option. Despite strong assurances by the government and many sane voices from experts such as Punjab’s star agro-economist Dr. SS Johl, farmers rejected the reforms.
Farmers have come to believe that they are best protected by freebies and state support which are also the route to higher incomes. The need now is not to perpetuate the status quo by doling out more subsidies or guaranteed prices but to forge a consensus on the long-term solutions for Punjab’s agriculture which stares at a waterless future. The biggest victims of this crisis are going to be Punjab farmers themselves. But after the Central government burnt its hands with the farm laws it was for forced to repeal, politicians are not likely to step up.
This blog will discuss organic fertilisers used in organic farming. But first, let’s define fertilisers in general.
The increasing awareness about the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers on human health and the environment has led to a shift towards organic farming practices. One essential aspect of organic agriculture is the use of organic fertilizers, which are derived from natural sources such as plant and animal materials, minerals, and microbes. These fertilizers provide nutrients necessary for crop growth while promoting soil health, reducing environmental pollution, and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. This article will discuss the importance and types of organic fertilizers used in agriculture.
Importance of Organic Fertilizers in Agriculture
Organic fertilizers offer several benefits over synthetic fertilizers, including improved soil structure, reduced water runoff, increased biodiversity, and enhanced disease suppression. Here are some reasons why organic fertilizers are crucial in modern agriculture:
1. Soil Health: Organic fertilizers improve soil health by enhancing its physical, biological, and chemical properties. They increase the soil’s ability to retain moisture, promote beneficial soil organisms, reduce erosion, and enhance overall soil fertility.
2. Nutrient Availability: Unlike synthetic fertilizers that release nutrients quickly, leading to rapid uptake and potential leaching, organic fertilizers slowly release nutrients into the soil, making them available for plants over an extended period. This slow-release feature ensures a continuous nutrition supply, reduces nutrient loss and promotes long-term soil productivity.
3. Environmental Sustainability: Organic fertilizers help maintain ecological balance by minimizing the risk of groundwater contamination, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fertilizer manufacturing and application. Additionally, they support biodiversity by providing habitats for various soil organisms.
4. Food Safety: Using organic fertilizers helps ensure food safety since they do not contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals often found in synthetic fertilizers. As a result, consumers can enjoy fresh produce free from toxic residues.
5. Economic Viability: Adopting organic fertilization practices can save farmers money since many organic fertilizers can be made from locally available resources, thus eliminating the need for expensive imported products. Moreover, organic farms tend to have higher yields compared to conventional ones due to better soil health, ultimately resulting in greater economic returns.
Types of Organic Fertilizers
Various organic fertilizers are commonly used in agriculture, each having unique characteristics and applications. Some common examples include:
1. Manures: Animal manures, such as cow, poultry, horse, and sheep manure, are rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other micronutrients. When properly composted, these wastes become stable, pathogen-free fertilizers that can improve soil structure, water retention capacity, and aeration.
2. Compost: Composting involves decomposing organic matter like leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, and farm waste under controlled conditions. The final product, known as compost, contains NPK along with numerous trace elements, hormones, and enzymes that stimulate plant growth and boost soil fertility.
3. Bone Meal: Obtained from crushed bones, bone meal is high in phosphorous and calcium, making it ideal for root development and flower formation. It also provides a slow-release source of nitrogen and traces amounts of magnesium, zinc, and copper.
4. Fish Emulsion: Derived from fish processing waste, fish emulsion is an excellent liquid fertilizer containing NPK plus amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Due to its quick absorption rate, it serves as an effective foliar feed and seed treatment.
5. Seaweed Extract: Rich in auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid, seaweed extract improves plant vigour, stress tolerance, and yield. It can be applied directly to soil or sprayed onto leaves as a foliar spray.
6. Rock Phosphate: A naturally occurring mineral mined from rock deposits, rock phosphate is an excellent source of phosphorus for crops. Although its solubility is low, it gradually releases P upon weathering, ensuring long-term availability.
7. Green Manure Crops: Planting cover crops such as clover, buckwheat, alfalfa, or rye between main cash crops can significantly benefit soil health. Once incorporated back into the soil through tillage, these green manure crops add organic matter, improve tilth, and release nutrients locked up in their tissues.
8. Vermicompost: Also referred to as worm casting, vermicompost results from earthworms digesting organic waste. Packed with beneficial bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa, this superb fertilizer enhances soil structure, increases water-holding capacity, and promotes robust plant growth.
9. Biofertilizers: Microorganisms such as rhizobia, cyanobacteria, acetobacter, and mycorrhiza form symbiotic relationships with plants, fixing atmospheric nitrogen or solubilizing unavailable forms of P and K. Inoculating seeds or soils with biofertilizers can substantially augment crop nutrient uptake and yield.
conclusion
In conclusion, using organic fertilizers offers multiple advantages over synthetic alternatives in terms of soil health improvement, nutrient availability, environmental sustainability, food safety, and economic viability. By incorporating different types of organic fertilizers based on specific cropping systems and local resource availability, farmers can contribute to building resilient agroecosystems capable of producing healthy foods without compromising future generations’ well-being.
The centre has released about Rs 15,948 crore under different schemes in the last five years till January 31 to various sugar mills to improve their liquidity for clearing cane price dues of farmers, Parliament was informed on Friday. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel said the central government, with a view to improve liquidity of the sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers, has announced these schemes in the last five years.
These schemes include the creation and maintenance of a buffer stock of 30 lakh tonne of sugar with effect from July 2018 to June 30, 2019; scheme for defraying expenditure towards internal transport, freight, handling, and other charges on the export of sugar season 2018-19; and assistance to sugar mills season 2019-20 to facilitate the export of sugar.
A scheme for providing assistance to sugar mills for expenses on marketing costs including, handling, upgrading and other processing costs, and internal transport and freight charges for sugar season 2020-21, 2019-20 and 2018-19 was also announced.
“Under these schemes, a sum of about Rs 15,948 crore has been released to various sugar mills of the country in last five financial years including the current financial year till January 31, 2024,” Patel said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
In a separate reply, she said that the government has initiated an exercise to create a new online platform to connect exporters with various stakeholders, including Indian Missions abroad, export promotion councils, and other partner government agencies.
It would help provide information such as the details of various trade events being organised and provide information on various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Replying to a question on FTA, she said that imports of wines and vermouth (a kind of aromatic fortified) from Australia stood at USD 8.9 million during the January-December 2023 as against USD 10 million in the same period of 2022.
During the April-December 2023, India’s exports to Australia have grown by 13.78 per cent as compared to corresponding period in 2022, whereas imports from Australia declined by 16.93 per cent, thereby reducing the trade deficit by 35.26 per cent,” Patel said.
On wheat export question, the minister said that during the April-November 2023, India has exported wheat to the UAE, Nepal, Iraq. The total exports in that period stood at 96,447 tonnes.
Wheat export in general is banned and the government allows the shipments only on government basis.
A thorough grasp of the dynamics involved in food production is essential for improving food security. Research has proven that increasing food yields dramatically reduces poverty. Several factors influence yield, which is the amount of harvested crop product in a given area. A variety of factors impact agricultural output quality and quantity, and if not adequately monitored or controlled, offer a substantial danger to farmers.
Farmers are always attempting to boost agricultural yields, but they may be unsure of which aspects are significant. Climate and temperature, plant and water management, and soil nutrient management all have an impact on yield. The best yields are usually the product of good genetics combined with the capacity to manage and optimise the plant’s environment.
Climate and temperature are crucial elements in generating good yields. Warmer temperatures promote crop growth, including cell division, growth, and metabolism, whereas cold temperatures hinder plant growth.
In this article, we will look at three elements that impact agricultural yields as well as technology solutions are mainly created to boost crop yields.
1. Fertility of the soil
One of the three most significant elements determining crop output is soil fertility. Other factors include water availability, climate, and illnesses or pests.
To sustain agricultural productivity, a rising range of digital agri-technologies are being developed for visualising, understanding, and enhancing soil fertility. Among them are three:
Farmers utilize sensors to monitor soil humidity, temperature, pH, moisture, and nutrients on farms and agricultural equipment. To monitor soil quality and deterioration, farmers employ remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. Satellite technology measures and visualizes soil moisture, organic matter, texture, salinity, and iron concentration. Drones, equipped with hyper-spectral imaging cameras, diagnose nutrient deficits in crops and soils and administer exact amounts of agrochemicals.
2. Water accessibility
Water is a crucial input for agricultural productivity, and it is often obtained by rainfall and irrigation.
Today’s technology make it possible to use local weather predictions to improve precision irrigation.
These technologies enable farmers to prepare ahead of time and organise irrigation of their crops in the most effective way possible. Water technologies used to increase agricultural yields include:
Artificial Groundwater Recharge Well: alters the shape, distribution, or biochemical content of water to improve its availability.
Water Treatment Technology: alters the physical structure of water particles to increase penetration, water-use efficiency, and irrigation efficiency.
Humidity collection: This technique combines a technical solution with natural infrastructure to increase humidity and water collection.
3. Weather/climate conditions
Weather conditions are uncontrollable, necessitating the necessity to adjust to changing circumstances.Farmers use weather tracking technology to anticipate weather and make informed judgments.Furthermore, farmers can make better projections of crop demands to avoid over- or under-watering. Weather technologies used to increase agricultural yields include:
Doppler Radar measures rain, wind speed, and direction.
Weather satellites: These satellites collect observational data.
Radiosondes: These devices convey information such as air pressure, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction.
Other aspects, like as planting date, seed selection, soil preparation, pests, and diseases, are equally significant and have a plethora of technology options to affect farm output.
4. Access to nutrients
Plants do best when they have regular access to nutrients. These consist of micronutrients like boron and zinc, secondary nutrients like magnesium and sulphur, and primary nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Some items that are added to soil might increase nutrient availability for a few years before starting to deplete the soil of its nutrients. Farmers must therefore use additional fertiliser to make up for this nutrient loss.
Building soil health improves the environmental elements that affect crop output and enables genetics to express its yield potential to its fullest.
Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar underscored the significance of value addition in agricultural products to uplift the income of farmers and allied agricultural workers. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day National Food Processors’ Expo-cum-Roundtable organized by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) at Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan College, Minister Sivasankar lamented the disparity between the toil and investment of farmers and the returns they receive. He pointed out that middlemen and large corporations often reap the benefits of farmers’ hard work, stressing the urgent need for a shift in this paradigm.
Government’s Commitment to Agricultural Promotion
Minister Sivasankar commended the state government’s dedication to promoting agriculture and supporting farmers’ income. Highlighting the allocation of a separate budget for agriculture annually, he emphasized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s proactive approach to leveraging governmental resources to bolster agricultural activities.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Farmers
SICCI president Arun Alagappan acknowledged the multifaceted challenges confronting the agricultural sector. He cited climate change, dwindling natural resources, and the necessity of enhancing productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability as formidable hurdles. Alagappan stressed the importance of ensuring farmers’ welfare, facilitating access to markets, and promoting the adoption of modern technology, particularly in remote areas.
Embracing Technological Advancements for Agricultural Growth
Alagappan proposed the adoption of precision farming, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of cutting-edge technology as catalysts for a new era in agriculture. He affirmed SICCI’s commitment to devising strategies for the inclusive growth of farmers, leveraging technological innovations to overcome existing challenges.
Industry Participation and Technological Display
The expo witnessed participation from prominent industry figures such as Rafiq Ahmed, Chairman of Kothari Industrial Corporation, Arun Nehru, Managing Director of GSNR Rice Industries Pvt. Ltd., Y.V.N. Krishna Murthy, Board Member of IIT Tirupati, and M.V. Subramanian, Board Member of SICCI, among others. With over 50 stalls showcasing a range of technologies and equipment, from nursery cultivation to harvest, the event attracted a significant turnout of farmers.
As the expo continues to facilitate knowledge dissemination and technological advancement, it promises to contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
The mandi prices of the aromatic kitchen ingredient jeera (cumin) saw a sharp month-on-month drop in wholesale prices by an average of Rs 1,091.5 per quintal across the key markets of India, according to the Agmarknet portal by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on Monday (February 5). Similarly, wholesale sugar prices also declined by an average of Rs 226.87 per quintal in February.
The largest producers of jeera, one of the most popular spices consumed in India, include Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Among all the states, wholesale prices of jeera Maharashtra plummeted by Rs 12,903 per quintal to Rs 40,000 month-on-month in February. This decline in Maharashtra was the major reason behind the fall in the wholesale average of jeera prices to Rs 27,684.75 per quintal in February, from Rs 28,776.25 in January.
Similarly, the wholesale average of sugar prices also fell sharply by Rs 253 per quintal to Rs 4,088 in February in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. In West Bengal, the month-on-month sugar prices declined by Rs 181 per quintal to Rs 3,863 in February. Due to a slump in prices in these places, the average monthly sugar prices across the country also plummeted by Rs 226.87 per quintal to Rs 4,026.
Contrary to Delhi and West Bengal, the month-on-month wholesale prices of sugar increased in states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha. The wholesale prices of both jeera and sugar declined in February. However, on a year-on-year basis, prices of both the essential agri-commodities only increased in 2024. For instance, year-on-year wholesale prices of sugar saw an increase of Rs 162.4 per quintal in February 2024, and of jeera by Rs 8,108.58 per quintal.
It’s crucial for your company to keep beautiful, lush lawns, especially in the warm summer months when everyone wants to relax on their lawns. Regrettably, the summer heat can also stress turf and raise the risk of fertilizer-related lawn damage.
Knowing the differences between nitrogen sources before selecting a fertiliser for summer lawn will help you lower the risk of fertiliser burn.
fast-acting fertilisers
Fast-acting fertilisers for turfgrass show that nitrogen is readily available to the turf upon application. These fertilisers typically cost less but only last for two to four weeks after being used.
A fast-acting fertilizer’s advantages include immediate greening and rapid development, which, depending on the site, may meet the property owner’s expectations or be advantageous to overall aesthetics. The nutrients are available to the turf when dissolved in water, usually through irrigation during the hot summer months, and are based on water soluble nitrogen (WSN).
Fast-acting nitrogens have a higher salt index, which can cause heat-stressed turf to burn because they remove moisture from leaves or grass blades, which are already difficult to keep moist in hot weather.
After applying a fast-acting fertiliser, you should quickly irrigate the area to transport the nitrogen into the soil and away from the turf in order to prevent leaf burn.
Before applying rapid release fertilisers, examine the irrigation system for any coverage gaps to ensure the system will adequately water-in the product.
fertilisers with a slow release
Fertilisers with slowly accessible nitrogen sources are usually advised, particularly in the summer, to lessen the possibility of burn. These fertilisers frequently include:
Poly- or sulfur-coated ureas
Nitrogen that is insoluble in water
Organic fertilisers
Since controlled-release products provide the nitrogen sources, noticeable effects on growth and greening will take longer. It will be helpful to set expectations for the fertilizer’s performance and explain the distinction between slow and quick-release fertilizers to the property owner.
All controlled release nitrogen fertilisers are not slow-release fertilisers. The majority of goods have a combination of quick and slow sources of nitrogen, ensuring a compromise between immediate colouring and decreased burn while extending product life.
Since the product get controlled, slow-release fertilisers may cost less per application even if they are normally more expensive per bag.
Since the product get controlled, slow-release fertilisers may cost less per application even if they are normally more expensive per bag.
After applying fertiliser, don’t forget to “water in” the fertiliser.
It is nevertheless advised to adequately irrigate the turf after applying slow-release fertilisers, even though the risk of burn is then reduced. Regardless of the rate of release, inspecting the irrigation system is advantageous for all fertiliser applications.
Understanding and selecting the proper fertiliser for your site is essential, and knowing where the nitrogen in the fertiliser comes from will help you and your customer get better results.
Lowering the risk of fertiliser burn
Additionally crucial all year long is preventing fertiliser burn. Overfertilizing can result in fertiliser burn, along with unhealthy plants and environmental factors that might make it difficult for plants to process nutrients.
It is best to abide by the following guidelines to reduce the danger of fertiliser burns:
Recognise the sources of nitrogen in the fertiliser
Always follow the application instructions on the label to properly apply the product.
In your application, be precise. Weigh the substance, gauge your spreader accurately, and measure the application area.
For the turf type in your yard, adjust the height of your mow.
When feasible, use a fertiliser with a delayed release.
By adhering to these recommendations, you may reduce the risk of fertiliser burn and maintain the excellent appearance of your clients’ lawn all year long.
The government has allocated ₹ 1.27 lakh crore to the Ministry of Agriculture for 2024–25, slightly higher than the current fiscal.
According to the budget, the agriculture ministry has been allocated ₹ 1,27,469.88 crore for the fiscal year 2024–25, of which the Department of Agriculture will receive ₹ 1,17,528.79 crore and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) ₹ 9,941.09 crore.
According to the current fiscally revised estimates, the Department of Agriculture has been allocated ₹ 1,16,788.96 crore and the DARE ₹ 9,876.60 crore.
According to the budget papers, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has been allocated ₹ 2.13 lakh crore for the next fiscal year, less than 2023–24.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has been allocated ₹ 303.62 crore for 2024–25, up from ₹ 309.26 crore in the current fiscal year.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution will receive ₹ 2,13,019.75 crore, compared to ₹ 2,21,924.64 crore in the current fiscal year 2023–24. This department has been tasked with providing free foodgrains to over 80 crore people via ration shops. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilize₹ has been allocated ₹ 1.68 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The allocation for the fertiliser department under this ministry has been reduced to ₹ 1,64,150.81 crore for the coming fiscal year, down from ₹ 1,88,947.29 crore in the current fiscal year.
The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals has been allocated ₹ 139.05 crore for the next fiscal year, compared to ₹ 572.63 crore in the current fiscal year.
However, the allocation for the Department of Pharmaceuticals has been increased to ₹ 4,089.95 crore from ₹ 2,697.95 crore in the current fiscal.
The Ministry of Cooperation, led by Home Minister Amit Shah, has been allocated ₹ 1,183.39 crore for 2024–25, up from ₹ 747.84 crore in FY24.
According to the document, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy has been allocated ₹ 7,105.74 crore for the next fiscal year.
The allocation to the Department of Fisheries has been increased to ₹ 2,584.50 crore in the next fiscal year, up from ₹ 1,701 crore in the current fiscal year 2023–24. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying will receive ₹ 4,521.24 crore in 2024–25, up from ₹ 3,913.93 crore in the current fiscal.
