Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) in Indian Agriculture
Context:
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers recently highlighted the state of Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) in Indian agriculture, noting a concerning decline in the fertilizer-to-grain response ratio.
Concurrently, agricultural experts are advocating for a "Nutrient Efficiency Revolution," urging a shift from conventional solid chemicals to precision liquid f ertilizers to restore soil health and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Understanding Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE):
NUE refers to the proportion of applied fertilizer nutrients that are effectively absorbed and utilized by crops for growth and yield.
NUE levels are influenced by a range of factors, including crop type, soil conditions, agro-climatic variations, fertilizer source and application methods, irrigation practices, and overall crop management.
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), India’s current NUE levels are distressingly low:
Nitrogen (N) at 30-45%
Phosphorus (P) at 15-25%
Potassium (K) at 50-60%.
A significant portion of applied fertilizers is not utilized by crops.
The unabsorbed nutrients are lost through ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, denitrification, and runoff, or they become fixed in alkaline soils.
The Challenge of Solid Fertilizers:
For five decades, India has relied predominantly on solid chemical fertilizers like urea, DAP, and MOP.
In 2025 alone, the total sales of subsidised urea stood at a massive 399.40 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).
ICAR reports a declining trend in the fertilizer-to-grain response ratio, which currently stands at just 9.55 to 11.05 kg of grain per kg of fertilizer applied.
This decline is driven by nutrient imbalances, excessive nitrogenous fertilizer use, and dropping soil organic matter.
The Shift to Liquid Alternatives:
Precision Nutrition:
Liquid manures and fertilizers act as "precision nutrition vectors."
They can be biologically activated to synchronize with the physiological rhythms of plants and the dynamics of soil microbiota, offering far greater efficiency than granular inputs.
There is immense potential for FPO-led micro-biofactories producing jeevamrut, panchagavya, and compost teas.
This transition is supported by government incentives under schemes like PMPRANAM, PMFBY, and PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana).
The sector is moving towards integrating traditional microbial intelligence with modern tools like soil sensors, IoT-enabled fertigation, and AI-based nutrient advisories to produce more food with fewer resources.