Nutrient Use Efficiency in Indian Agriculture: N 30–45%, P 15–25%, K 50–60% — Government Focuses on Balanced Use and Higher Farm Returns: Smt. Anupriya Patel

**Executive Summary** This document highlights the declining nutrient use efficiency (NUE) in Indian agriculture, with current estimates for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) at 30-45%, 15-25%, and 50-60% respectively. The government is focusing on balanced fertilizer use and value addition to improve farm returns. Initiatives and schemes are in place to address these trends, with information provided in response to a Rajya Sabha question. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) Defined:** NUE represents the proportion of applied fertilizer nutrients effectively absorbed and utilized by crops for growth and yield. * **Factors Influencing NUE:** NUE levels are affected by crop type, soil conditions, agro-climatic variations, fertilizer source and application methods, irrigation practices, and overall crop management. * **Current NUE Estimates in India:** * Nitrogen (N): 30-45% * Phosphorus (P): 15-25% * Potassium (K): 50-60% * **Declining Response Trends:** Over the decades, the fertilizer-to-grain response ratio has shown a declining trend. * **Causes of Declining NUE:** Nutrient imbalance in soils, excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers, and a decline in soil organic matter contribute to this trend. * **Fertilizer-to-Grain Response Ratio:** In recent years, this ratio has ranged from 9.55 to 11.05 kg of grain per kg of fertilizer applied. * **Subsidised Urea Sales in 2025:** Total sales of subsidised urea in January-December 2025 stood at 399.40 lakh metric tonnes (LMT). * **Nutrient Loss:** A significant portion of applied fertilizers is not immediately utilized by crops and can be lost through leaching, volatilization, runoff, or retained in soil as residual or fixed nutrients. * **Government Support for Value Addition:** The government actively supports value addition through schemes such as: * Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) * Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) * Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme **Impact Analysis** **Farmers** * **Impact:** Experience reduced crop yields and farm returns due to inefficient fertilizer utilization and declining soil health. They may also be incurring higher costs for fertilizers that are not effectively used. * **Action Required:** Adopt practices that promote balanced fertilizer use, improve soil organic matter, and optimize application methods to enhance Nutrient Use Efficiency. **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Research Institutions** * **Impact:** Highlighted the declining trends and provided experimental data on NUE. They are central to developing and recommending solutions. * **Action Required:** Continue research to understand the specific causes of declining NUE in different regions and crops, and develop and disseminate appropriate technologies and best practices. **Government (Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Department of Fertilizers)** * **Impact:** Responsible for policy formulation, scheme implementation, and ensuring fertilizer availability. The declining NUE affects agricultural productivity and farm income, impacting broader economic goals. * **Action Required:** Continue to focus on balanced fertilizer use and higher farm returns through existing and potentially new initiatives. Implement and promote schemes supporting value addition in agriculture. Monitor fertilizer sales and use patterns. **Food Processing Industry** * **Impact:** Potentially benefits from improved raw material quality and consistency resulting from better agricultural practices and higher farm returns. Schemes like PLISFPI aim to boost this sector. * **Action Required:** Leverage government schemes to enhance value addition and contribute to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

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