Srinagar, Jan. 17 -- For decades, the story of Indian agriculture has been one of intensive growth, but this progress has come at a hidden cost to our most precious resource: the soil. Today, as we face the dual challenges of a growing population and a changing climate, the "more is better" approach to chemical fertilizers is hitting a wall. To ensure our long-term food security, India must pivot toward Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)-a holistic strategy that marries modern science with traditional wisdom to restore our land's vitality.

The Crisis Beneath Our Feet

Indian agriculture is characterized by small and marginal landholdings and a heavy reliance on nitrogenous chemical fertilizers. Years of imbalanced use and continuous mo...