Fertiliser, Plant Nutrient Management, And Self-Reliance in Agriculture (Self-Reliance IN Agriculture) (Report‪)‬

This paper discusses the role and importance of fertiliser and plant nutrient management in the context of achieving self-reliance in agriculture. An effort has been made to establish the relationship between the future crop production needs and the contribution that better plant nutrient management can make towards that end. The basic approach of the paper is to examine and analyse the available information on the crop response to fertiliser use and to establish that more balanced fertilisation together with appropriate use of organic and bio-materials can bring about substantial improvements in our crop yields. Moreover, it establishes the fact that fertiliser use is not only agronomically desirable to enhance crop and soil productivity but also economically profitable. The paper concludes that the future Pakistan's agriculture depends to a large extent on the proper and balanced fertiliser use. The response functions have been mainly derived from experimental evidence data and supported by survey data where possible. Some variations have been observed in the experimental and survey data but the results are generally acceptable. The quality of analysis would have certainly improved if more field level information were available. The paper recommends that the government policies should emphasise proper and balanced fertiliser use through an integrated nutrient management system so as not only to ensure the sustainability of our agriculture but also to preserve our soils, for future generations. INTRODUCTION