Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 January 2025
The President of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Mr. Rangalal Halder, has called on the A&N Administration to take immediate steps to promote organic farming and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, citing concerns over deteriorating soil health and rising cases of kidney-related ailments in the region.
In a letter addressed to the administration, Mr. Halder highlighted the detrimental impact of chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, which has led to imbalances in crop production and posed a potential threat to food security. He expressed alarm over the growing reliance on these chemicals, warning that it has not only degraded the farmland but also contributed to a worrying surge in dialysis patients at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), sparking fears about the link between chemical agriculture and health complications.
The ANTCC President stressed the need for urgent action to reduce chemical fertilizer usage and support the transition to organic farming. He urged the administration to introduce comprehensive training programs and incentives to help farmers adopt organic and bio-based fertilizers. These measures, he said, would ensure sustainable agricultural practices and healthier food production for the long term.
Mr. Halder also called for the issuance of Soil Health Cards to farmers, which would help assess the quality of their land and provide valuable insights into soil composition. These cards, he argued, would empower farmers to make informed decisions about crop selection, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices, thus enhancing productivity while maintaining soil integrity.
In conclusion, Mr. Rangalal Halder appealed to the A&N Administration to take swift and decisive action to promote a healthier and more sustainable future for the farmers and the people of the Islands.