To improve crop productivity, farmers in Wangdue Phodrang have been using the maximum amount of chemical fertiliser compared to other districts. This is according to a research conducted by the National Soil Services Centre (NSSC). Further, the research found that farmers in Gangtey and Phobji Gewogs have been using it the most. The two gewogs have been using nearly 300 kilograms of fertiliser in an acre of land.
The people of Phobji Gewog used more than 280 kilograms of fertilisers in an acre of land. And the farmers of Gangtey Gewog used nearly 300 kilograms in an acre. So, during the world soil day celebration, observed recently, farmers were asked to use the right amount of farm yard manure and fertiliser.
“Earlier, the Agriculture Research and Development Center in Bajo also conducted a research. Both the reports show that the usage of fertilisers in these Gewogs is quite high. Moreover, we have also talked with the farmers and they said the same. We have also tested the soil and the result was the same,” said Tashi Wangdi, Programme Director with the NSSC.
Farmers of these two gewogs grow potatoes as a cash crop and use a lot of fertiliser to increase production. They mostly use chemical fertilisers such as Urea, Suphala, and Single Sulphate Phosphate.
“Actually, we are mostly using chemical fertilisers. But today, officials showed us the farm yard manure. So, I am planning to use it hereafter,” said Wangchuk Dorji, a farmer from Phobji Gewog.
“I knew how to balance the usage of chemical fertilisers and farm yard manure from this program. Of course, there are different kinds of fertilisers but I decided not to use them,” added Thinley Wangdi, another farmer from the gewog.
“These days, we don’t have enough farm yard manure. So, I will balance the usage of chemical fertilisers and manure. We were told to increase the usage of farm yard manure and reduce the usage of fertiliser,” said Doley, a farmer from Gangtey Gewog.
Officials added that overuse of fertilisers can affect the soil quality and cause health implications.
“People consume the agricultural produce which basically grows on the soil. In a long run, it will affect health. And it will also directly impact the soil quality,” said Tashi Wangdi, the Programme Director with the NSSC.
The demand and use of chemical fertiliser in the country have been increasing over the years due to changing farming patterns from traditional subsistence to semi-commercial, commercial and specialized farming.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Tshering Zam
