He also pointed out that Indian farms lag behind China in productivity, particularly in wheat. Comparing fertilisers to medicines, he said farmers should use them carefully and in the right quantities, depending on the needs of their soil and crops.
Excessive use not only affects soil health but also pollutes water and harms the environment. Mehta called for agricultural research to reach farmers directly and urged fertiliser companies to focus on improving farm productivity rather than simply selling products.
He also suggested transferring fertiliser subsidies directly to farmers, giving them the freedom to choose products suited to their fields. Sharing the company's experience in Maharashtra, he said crop-specific fertilisers containing micronutrients and biostimulants had improved crop yields and quality in sugarcane, cotton and onion farming.