ICAR Flags Nutrient Deficiency as Key Constraint in Coastal Crop Productivity

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare ICAR Flags Nutrient Deficiency as Key Constraint in Coastal Crop Productivity High Rainfall in Konkan Region Leads to Nutrient Deficiency in Mango and Cashew Crops

Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 8:44PM by PIB Mumbai Mumbai, 27 March 2026 The State Government of Maharashtra has informed that heavy rainfall during June to September results in leaching of nutrients in the Konkan region. Similarly, the State Government of Karnataka has reported that in coastal districts such as Uttar Kannada, Dakshin Kannada, and Udupi, high rainfall combined with light-textured soils leads to nutrient loss. As a result, deficiencies of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium are commonly observed in mango and cashew crops.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has also indicated that in high rainfall regions such as the Konkan, heavy precipitation leads to leaching of nutrients from the soil, resulting in deficiencies affecting crop productivity. Studies conducted by ICAR reveal that available nitrogen is low in a majority of soils, while deficiencies of key nutrients are widespread. Soil surveys further indicate that heavy rainfall causes leaching of nutrients and bases such as nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In addition, deficiencies of secondary and micronutrients, particularly calcium, magnesium, and zinc, are commonly observed. Factors such as soil erosion, runoff losses due to heavy rainfall, and undulating terrain further constrain soil health and productivity of crops like mango and cashew.

ICAR studies have also highlighted that nutrient deficiencies, including low nitrogen and micronutrients such as zinc, are major constraints to crop productivity in coastal regions like Goa. To address these challenges, soil test-based fertiliser recommendations are being promoted. The Government of Karnataka has introduced support for nutrient management inputs under various schemes, including the Integrated Nutrient Management Programme under the National Horticulture Mission and micronutrient and macronutrient support under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

The Government of India is implementing the Cashew and Cocoa Development Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), which includes activities such as establishment of new plantations, transfer of technology through demonstrations, and capacity-building programmes for farmers.

Nutrient management interventions, including the use of multi-nutrient foliar sprays and emerging products such as nano-urea, are also being promoted. The Department of Horticulture in Karnataka, in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and horticulture universities, is encouraging the adoption of these practices through demonstrations, training programmes, and field-level outreach. However, at present, no special subsidy is being provided for multi-nutrient foliar sprays and nano-urea.This information was provided by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a reply to questions in Rajya Sabha.

* * * PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Darshana Rane

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