Punjab is the highest consumer of fertilizers in the country

CHANDIGARH: Punjab is the highest consumer of fertilizers, comprising nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate and potash in the country as the average consumption of around 223 kg per hectare is significantly higher than the national average of 90 kg per hectare.

While the total consumption of chemical pesticides in Punjab has reached 5,270 MT, making the state the third highest consumer of chemical pesticides in the country, following Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Only 7,000 hectares is under organic farming.

All these facts came to light as Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Chouhan replied to a question asked by Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu in Rajya Sabha. “The 15 districts of Punjab have kg per hectare consumption over state average of 254.39 during the year 2022-23. According to the State Government the per hectare consumption of fertilizers is towards higher side due to very high cropping intensity and primarily Rice and Wheat being grown which are high demanding fertilizer crops,’’ read the reply.