Use of fertilizers in Agri-sector of Odisha: A profile study

Abstract

Fertilizer, the essential source of nutrients for better growth of plants, is a kingpin in enhancing crop production and productivity and plays a great role in securing and maintaining of food security. Adequate fertilizer consumption will make the production able to feed the fast growing population in world especially in India. This review paper analyses the present scenario of fertilizer use in the state of Odisha and has identified a number of stakeholders and agents involved in marketing and distribution of fertilizer in the state. It is found that Odisha is a low fertilizer consuming state with average of 57.11 kg/ha. Against the national average of 157.5 Kg/ha. The highest per ha consumption is in Nabarangpur district, i.e, 154.20 kg/ha, followed by Baragarh (109.87 kg/ha), while Kandhamal is the lowest consuming district with 9.85kg/ha. Unavailability, lack of knowledge, awareness, and rigorous occurrence of natural calamities are the major reasons behind the low fertilizer consumption average in Odisha. Also, this paper focuses on the various drawbacks in the fertilizer production, distribution and utilization by the farming community and proposed various suggestions in fertilizer use in the state Odisha for better production and better agriculture.