An agricultural scientist has warned against using artificial fertilisers in agricultural fields to increase yield, claiming that it would be harmful to the human body and groundwater. Modern techniques have increased farmers' yields and simplified agricultural operations, but they have also given rise to new diseases.
Agricultural scientists describe the situation as "alarming," and they urge farmers to use traditional farming methods to ensure long-term sustainability. "The use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural fields to increase yield has affected the human body and has become the cause of major diseases like heart attacks," as per Dr. M. C. Dwivedi, agricultural scientist and In - Charge of Research Farm, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu).
"The chemical fertilizer has a history of around 50 to 60 years," Dwivedi said. However, for the last three years, the Indian government has been attempting to encourage farmers to adopt natural farming/organic farming." "The modern farming style with the use of chemicals has degraded the soil and the fields have become infertile," he explained, citing examples from the neighbouring Punjab where this has become a problem for farmers.
He stated that the Indian government has adopted a policy to promote organic farming and raise public awareness of natural farming practices such as using natural fertilizers and insects that benefit humans and nature.
Although it was unclear whether any research was being conducted on the harmful effects of fertilizers on humans, the expert has also begun working on organic farming to assist farmers.
"Many foreign countries have banned synthetic chemicals due to their harmful effects on humans, natural resources, and groundwater." As a result, the Government of India has also encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming methods that will help them protect the soil," he added. "With establishing an organic farming unit on our 100-acre research farm, we have begun research on organic farming."
We want farmers to return to traditional farming methods. We work to improve farmers' lives and increase their farming activities. "Our unit is working to help farmers return to organic farming," he added. "We provide free seeds to farmers and accordingly guide them in the process of cultivation in a separate piece of land that gives them good results," he said. Organic farming is more expensive but better for humans, water, and soil."
"People are now aware of organic farm produce and, as a result, they buy such products even though they cost more," he said. It should be noted that the Jammu region's rural belt, including hilly villages, has seen the adoption of modern farming with the use of tractors and artificial fertilisers, which has made agricultural activities easier. It does, however, endanger the soil and groundwater.
