National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Brainstorming Session
on
Roadmap for Atmanirbharta in Fertilizers

The Academy organised a Brainstorming Session on “Roadmap for Atmanirbharta in Fertilizers” under the Chairmanship of Dr. M.L. Jat, President, NAAS, and Co-chaired by Dr. J.C. Katyal, Ex-Vice President, NAAS and Dr. P.K. Joshi, Vice-President, NAASon April 14, 2026 in hybrid mode. The session was convened by Dr. A.K. Nayak, DDG (NRM), ICAR and co-convened by Dr. B.S. Dwivedi, Secretary, NAAS. The programme began with a welcome address and contextual remarks by Dr. B.S. Dwivedi, followed by a presentation of the base paper by Dr. A.K. Nayak. The session featured extensive deliberations with participation from government, research institutions, farmers’ organizations, and fertilizer industry representatives, covering policy frameworks, research priorities, field-level challenges, and industry perspectives. Key recommendations emphasized a multi-pronged strategy involving development of smart and alternative fertilizers, efficient use of indigenous resources, promotion of biologicals, precision nutrient management, and strengthening extension systems. Participants also highlighted the need for policy reforms such as bringing urea under nutrient-based subsidy, repurposing subsidies as incentives for good agricultural practices, promoting direct benefit transfer, and launching a mission mode programme on integrated nutrient supply and management (INSAM) to reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers and ensure long-term agricultural and food security. The session concluded with remarks by Chair& Co-Chairs, and a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Ashok K. Singh, Secretary NAAS.