Fertilizer use in semi-arid tropical India : the case of high-yielding varieties of sorghum and pearl millet

This report, using data collected from 88 Indian districts from 1969-70 to 1973-74, determines the extent and level of fertilizer use on HYV sorghum and millet; compares fertilizer use on these crops with that on irrigated wheat and rice; and examines the trends in and determinants of fertilizer use. Although varying by district, fertilizer use is fairly high and is extensive on irrigated land, especially for sorghum. Based on this finding, the authors conclude that the spread of HYV sorghum and millet and increased fertilization are positively related. Regarding fertilizer use, the modal classes for application per ha of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash were: 41-60 kg, 31-40 kg, and 11-20 kg for irrigated sorghum; 41-60 kg, 21-30 kg and under 10 kg for irrigated millet; 21-40 kg, 21-30 kg, and 11-20 kg for unirrigated sorghum; and 21-40 kg, under 20 kg, and under 10 kg for unirrigated millet. Although farmers in the semiarid tropics still prefer rice and wheat to HYV sorghum and millet, the HYV grains are preferred over unirrigated food crops. Analysis of trends in fertilizer use revealed no pattern. Farmers" use of fertilizer is, however, affected by soil type and texture, seasonal rainfall, irrigation, fertilizer price, and the availability of credit. The authors recommend that: development of regionally adapted fertilizer-responsive sorghum and millet varieties receive priority; improvements in retail trade be made to promote fertilizer use; and the extension system be made far more flexible to take maximum advantage of random seasonal conditions which play a crucial role in agriculture in the semiarid tropics. A 21-item reference list (1965-80) is appended.