S02E04 | MSP, Urea, and Debt – The Harsh Truth About Indian Agriculture | Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi
Description
Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, CEO and MD of IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd), is a pioneer in the fertiliser industry and has been honoured with the title “Fertiliser Man of India.”
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Awasthi talks about the major challenges Indian farmers face and what can be done to address them. He discusses whether India can become self-sufficient in fertilisers and how farmers’ incomes can be increased.
He also sheds light on IFFCO’s Nano Urea, a breakthrough in green technology that not only boosts crop yield but also protects the soil—unlike conventional urea, which harms it over time. Dr. Awasthi believes that technology is the key to transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers.
Additionally, he talks about why many young people are moving away from farming and what can be done to make agriculture a more attractive and viable profession.
More on the future of Indian farming and the innovations that can shape it.
00:00 - Introduction
01:21 - What Does IFFCO Do?
08:01 - Harmful Chemical Fertilisers
12:46 - 'Stop Using Urea Fertilisers'
14:32 - What Are Nano Urea Fertilisers?
21:01 - Imports of Fertilisers
26:16 - 'Fertiliser Man of India' Title
27:42 - Adoption of New Technologies in Agriculture
31:59 - Key Challenges Faced by Farmers
35:24 - Why Do Farmers Resist New Technologies?
37:56 - Why Are Most Farmers Poor?
41:31 - Farming in Hilly Areas
46:03 - Uses of Worm Compost in Farming
47:51 - Will Nano Urea Replace Traditional Urea?
49:16 - Revolutionary Initiatives in Indian Agriculture
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