Amit Shah Calls Chemical Fertilisers a Health Hazard

In a strong advocacy for sustainable agriculture, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has labeled chemical fertilisers as “the root cause of many diseases today,” urging farmers to embrace natural farming practices that promise higher incomes, water conservation, and better public health.

Speaking at a Farmers’ Conference in Rewa on December 25—coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—Shah highlighted the transformative potential of natural farming. “Natural farming is an approach that doesn’t reduce farmers’ income, but instead makes their produce pure,” he said, adding that it is a forgotten traditional practice of India.

Amit Shah pointed to cow-based inputs as a key element, noting that the dung and urine from a single indigenous cow can fertilise up to 21 acres of land. He shared his personal experience, stating that natural farming on his own fields did not decrease production but actually increased it. Currently, around 40 lakh farmers across India have adopted these methods, he revealed.

He also announced government efforts to build a comprehensive ecosystem for natural farming, including soil testing, laboratory certification, and packaging. “In the coming time, more than 400 laboratories across the country will provide certificates to farmers, increasing their income by almost one-and-a-half times,” Shah said. He emphasised the massive global demand for naturally grown produce, positioning India to capture this market.

The event included the inauguration of a natural farming project at the Basaman Mama Gaushala (cow sanctuary) in Rewa, home to over 7,000 cows and a model for producing organic inputs like fertilisers and eco-friendly products.

Health Concerns with Chemical Fertilisers

Shah’s remarks echo growing concerns about the long-term impacts of synthetic inputs. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers has been linked to soil degradation, water pollution, and health issues, including nitrate contamination leading to conditions like methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) and potential associations with chronic diseases.

In contrast, natural farming eliminates synthetic chemicals, relying on bio-inputs like Jeevamrut and Beejamrut to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity.

The Rise of Natural Farming in India

Natural farming aligns with national initiatives like the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), aimed at covering millions of hectares and supporting crore of farmers. Benefits include reduced input costs (often 50-60% lower), improved soil health, climate resilience, and premium pricing for chemical-free produce.

States like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are leading the charge, with model farms demonstrating higher resilience to droughts and pests.

As India grapples with depleting groundwater and rising health costs from conventional farming, Shah’s call in Rewa signals a potential shift towards a healthier, more sustainable agricultural future—one rooted in tradition yet poised for global markets.

Signpost NewsDesk

Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.