Overuse of fertilisers, pesticide on leased land degrades soil health: Agriculture secy

Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides by farmers—particularly on leased land—is degrading soil health and jeopardising long-term agricultural productivity, warned Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday (1 June). 

Speaking as chief guest at the opening session of the annual workshop of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) in Farmgate, Dhaka, he highlighted shifting patterns in agricultural practice. 

"Farmers are increasingly cultivating leased land, and in the pursuit of higher yields, they are resorting to excessive chemical use. This trend is deeply concerning," he said.

He emphasised the need for greater awareness and stricter guidance, stating, "We must ensure that farmers are clearly instructed on the appropriate quantities of fertilisers and pesticides to use."

The two-day workshop, chaired by SRDI Director General Begum Samia Sultana, was attended by senior officials including Mohammad Saiful Alam, director general of the Department of Agricultural Extension, and Nazmun Nahar Karim, Acting Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.

On the first day, SRDI presented soil test results from across the country. 

In Khulna Division, tests on 3,387 soil samples showed fertiliser usage was three to four times higher than necessary. The findings also indicated widespread adulteration: 53% of zinc fertilisers in Sylhet were found to be substandard, while in Barisal, over 16% of samples were adulterated.

Mian expressed serious concern over the prevalence of counterfeit products, saying, "We have received reports that unscrupulous dealers are distributing low-quality fertilisers, which not only harm the soil but also diminish crop yields." He questioned SRDI officials on the actions taken against offenders, to which they responded that licences of 50 companies had been revoked.

Underscoring the critical role of soil in food security, Mian added, "Just as we prioritise human health, we must also preserve soil health. Without fertile soil, agricultural output will inevitably decline."

He also pointed out the economic implications, noting that 70% of the agriculture budget is spent on fertiliser subsidies. "Reducing unnecessary fertiliser use would not only benefit the environment but also result in substantial financial savings," he concluded.