Sustaining rapid growth in India"s fertilizer consumption : a perspective based on composition of use

This study of changes in the composition of total fertilizer use in India between the early 1950"s and the mid-1970"s attempts to identify policies that can sustain India"s desired rapid growth in fertilizer use. Three aspects of fertilizer use are examined: shares of crops in total fertilizer consumption; diffusion of fertilizer use by crop; and average rates of use on fertilized areas by crop. Wherever possible, separate crop profiles are developed for irrigated and unirrigated areas and for traditional and improved crop varieties. Findings confirm previous studies showing the dominant influence of certain crops, irrigation, and fertilizer-responsive varieties on the pace and pattern of growth in fertilizer consumption. However, the author concludes that fertilizer use might have increased even faster had it not been for: inadequate promotion of fertilizer use with certain crops and in unirrigated areas; an inefficient distribution system; repeated shortfalls in domestic fertilizer production; and wide year-to-year fluctuations in fertilizer imports. A 9-page bibliography and 31 tables are included.