Tripura's Fertilizer Dependence Highlights the Need to Accelerate Natural Farming

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 23, 2026

As Tripura has begun promoting natural farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), official data on fertilizer consumption indicate that the transition towards sustainable agriculture will require sustained policy support, farmer awareness, and gradual reduction in dependence on chemical inputs.

An analysis of fertilizer consumption trends between 1995-96 and 2023-24 reveals that the use of chemical fertilizers has increased considerably over the last three decades. Nitrogenous fertilizer consumption rose from 5,310 metric tonnes in 1995-96 to 9,814.28 metric tonnes in 2023-24, registering an increase of nearly 85 per cent. Phosphatic fertilizer consumption witnessed an even sharper rise, increasing from 1,583 metric tonnes to 7,919.25 metric tonnes, almost five times higher than the level recorded in the mid-1990s. Potassic fertilizer use also grew from 1,565 metric tonnes to 2,973.26 metric tonnes, despite fluctuations over the years.

The data also indicate periods of intensive chemical fertilizer application. Nitrogen consumption reached a peak of 12,652 metric tonnes in 2009-10, while phosphatic fertilizer touched 7,919.25 metric tonnes in 2023-24, the highest level recorded during the study period. Potassic fertilizer consumption peaked at 5,885 metric tonnes in 2015-16 before declining to around 2,973 metric tonnes in 2023-24.

Agricultural experts point out that while balanced fertilizer application has played an important role in improving crop productivity, excessive or imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers over a prolonged period may adversely affect soil health, reduce organic carbon content, diminish beneficial microbial activity, and increase the cost of cultivation. Such trends underline the importance of complementing productivity-focused agriculture with sustainable farming practices.

Against this backdrop, the Government of Tripura has initiated the promotion of natural farming under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). The programme aims to encourage farmers to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides by adopting locally available natural inputs such as Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, mulching, biomass recycling, and cow-based formulations. The initiative also seeks to improve soil biodiversity, enhance water conservation, and lower production costs while maintaining farm profitability.

Experts including Dr. Kiran Bhowmik, Ph.D in Agricultural Economics from Department of Economics in Tripura University, believe that the transition should be gradual rather than abrupt. Chemical fertilizers continue to play a significant role in ensuring food security, particularly for small and marginal farmers cultivating paddy and other staple crops. Therefore, a balanced strategy involving integrated nutrient management, soil testing, judicious fertilizer application, and phased adoption of natural farming practices would be more practical for Tripura's predominantly smallholder farming system.

With fertilizer consumption remaining consistently high and natural farming still in its initial phase, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether Tripura can successfully strike a balance between maintaining agricultural productivity and restoring long-term soil health. Effective farmer training, demonstration plots, market incentives, and scientific monitoring will be essential to ensure that the state's move towards natural farming translates into sustainable agricultural growth.

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