EP- 262 | MSP, Urea, and Debt – The Harsh Truth About Indian Agriculture | Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi

Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, CEO and MD of IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd), is a pioneer in the fertiliser industry and has been honoured with the title “Fertiliser Man of India.”

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Awasthi talks about the major challenges Indian farmers face and what can be done to address them. He discusses whether India can become self-sufficient in fertilisers and how farmers’ incomes can be increased.

He also sheds light on IFFCO’s Nano Urea, a breakthrough in green technology that not only boosts crop yield but also protects the soil—unlike conventional urea, which harms it over time. Dr. Awasthi believes that technology is the key to transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring a sustainable future for farmers.

Additionally, he talks about why many young people are moving away from farming and what can be done to make agriculture a more attractive and viable profession.

More on the future of Indian farming and the innovations that can shape it.

00:00 - Introduction

01:21 - What Does IFFCO Do?

08:01 - Harmful Chemical Fertilisers

12:46 - 'Stop Using Urea Fertilisers'

14:32 - What Are Nano Urea Fertilisers?

21:01 - Imports of Fertilisers

26:16 - 'Fertiliser Man of India' Title

27:42 - Adoption of New Technologies in Agriculture

31:59 - Key Challenges Faced by Farmers

35:24 - Why Do Farmers Resist New Technologies?

37:56 - Why Are Most Farmers Poor?

41:31 - Farming in Hilly Areas

46:03 - Uses of Worm Compost in Farming

47:51 - Will Nano Urea Replace Traditional Urea?

49:16 - Revolutionary Initiatives in Indian Agriculture