Date:16/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/16/stories/2008081654201004.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Fertilizer crisis

The article “Millions could starve as fertilizer prices soar” (Aug. 15) brings to light the global fertilizer crisis. It is distressing to note that prices have doubled and will continue to increase in the coming years. India has witnessed farmers’ agitation due to fertilizer shortage. The central issue is the complete dependency on fertilizer industries and firms. Traditional methods such as the use of animal manure are being overlooked. Earlier, farmers manufactured their own fertilizers and stored seeds for the next season. But unfortunately even this task is being outsourced. Farmers ought to look at the methods their forefathers followed.

D. Shravana,

Bangalore

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With the global fertilizer prices escalating, the worst hit are poor farmers. African countries, particularly Mozambique and Malawi, have to depend on the rest of the world for fertilizers. With food prices on the rise, farmers in the developed countries are into heavy use of fertilizers to obtain higher yields. As a result, there is a short supply that affects the poor countries severely.

Ashok Jayaram,

Bangalore