As India moves beyond a focus on basic food security toward broader nutritional outcomes, soil health is increasingly recognized as a critical foundation of both agricultural productivity and public health. This perspective was reinforced during a recent high-level roundtable in New Delhi, where policymakers, scientists, and industry representatives discussed the links between soil quality, agricultural inputs and nutrition.
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Participants emphasized that soil health underpins the entire food system. Declining soil organic matter, combined with imbalanced nutrient use, is affecting both crop yields and the nutritional quality of food. Data shared during the discussion highlighted that nitrogen use in India remains disproportionately high, while crop nutrient uptake efficiency is relatively low. This imbalance, reflected in a skewed NPK ratio, raises concerns about long-term sustainability and soil degradation.
Experts also pointed out broader structural challenges. Despite achieving self-sufficiency in staple food production, exceeding 350 million tons annually, India continues to face significant nutritional gaps. National survey data indicates persistent levels of child stunting, undernutrition, and anemia among women, suggesting that food availability alone does not ensure improved health outcomes. Soil quality and nutrient density of crops are increasingly seen as contributing factors in this equation.
The discussion highlighted the need for integrated solutions. Improving soil organic carbon levels, promoting balanced fertilization, and adapting agricultural practices to local conditions were identified as key priorities. Government initiatives are already moving in this direction, with plans to develop state-specific roadmaps for soil improvement and continued support for sustainable farming practices under national agricultural schemes.
At the same time, participants stressed the importance of extending advisory services and innovation to farmers, particularly smallholders. Access to soil testing, tailored nutrient recommendations, and agronomic guidance remains uneven, contributing to productivity differences across regions. Strengthening these support systems could help farmers better align input use with soil conditions, improving both efficiency and outcomes.
Overall, the roundtable underscored that soil health is not only an agronomic issue, but a strategic lever for addressing nutrition, sustainability, and resilience. As India continues its transition toward a more diversified and nutrition-focused food system, aligning soil management, input use, and policy frameworks will be essential to achieving long-term food and health objectives.
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