Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The fertile lands of Uttarakhand’s Terai region are under threat as soil fertility rapidly declines due to nutrient deficiencies. Farmers’ dependency on chemical fertilizers like DAP and urea, combined with repetitive cropping of paddy, is causing a severe imbalance in the soil’s nutrient profile.
A recent soil health program under the National Agricultural Development Scheme covered 98 villages in Udham Singh Nagar district, collecting samples from farmers’ fields. The results are alarming: the soil is deficient in 65% sulfur and potassium, 30% boron, and 11% zinc. However, nitrogen and phosphorus levels remain adequate.
“The depletion of these nutrients is a major concern,” said Abhay Saxena, Chief Agriculture Officer. “If farmers don’t address these deficiencies, the soil will become infertile within a few seasons.”
Sulfur deficiency, the most widespread issue, has severely impacted crop health. Khatima block is the worst affected, with an 81% deficiency, followed by Kashipur (67%), Sitarganj (65%), and Bajpur (58%). “Sulfur is critical for plant growth. Its absence weakens plants and reduces crop yields,” Saxena added.
Boron deficiency is another significant challenge, with Bajpur and Jaspur in the danger zone, recording 48% and 43% deficiencies, respectively. Without adequate boron, wheat, the main Rabi crop, suffers cracked ears during ripening. Potassium deficiency causes dull grains, while zinc deficiency turns leaves yellow, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.
To combat this crisis, the Agriculture Department is providing subsidized micronutrients and promoting sustainable practices. “We advise farmers to apply organic manure, such as cow dung and vermicompost, and grow green manure crops like sunn hemp,” Saxena emphasized. Farmers are also being encouraged to adopt crop rotation and deep plowing before the rainy season to replenish the soil.
Agriculture expert Anil Hafeez highlighted the consequences of monocropping. “Repeatedly growing the same crops exhausts the soil of essential nutrients. Farmers must diversify their cropping patterns to maintain soil health,” he said.
Under the Central Government’s Soil Health Testing Plan, soil health cards have been issued for the past six years, helping farmers understand the nutrient requirements of their fields. “We recommend testing soil before applying fertilizers to ensure balanced nutrient usage,” Saxena advised.
Experts suggest that adopting natural pesticides and reducing chemical usage can further improve soil health. Immediate intervention is essential to prevent permanent damage to the region’s agricultural lands, which form the backbone of food production.
With a combination of modern techniques and traditional practices, Terai farmers can restore their soil’s vitality and ensure sustainable agriculture for future generations.
