The President of ANTCC concerns over deteriorating soil health and rising cases of kidney-related ailments

Citing worries about declining soil health and an increase in kidney-related illnesses in the area, Mr. Rangalal Halder, President of the Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has urged the A&N Administration to act quickly to encourage organic farming and lessen the use of chemical fertilizers. Mr. Halder emphasized in a letter to the administration the negative effects of chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, which have caused agricultural production imbalances and could jeopardize food security.

The increasing dependence on these chemicals has caused farmland degradation and a concerning increase in dialysis patients at Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs), raising concerns about the connection between chemical agriculture and health issues, he said. The president of the ANTCC emphasized the urgency of taking steps to decrease the use of artificial fertilizers and encourage the switch to organic farming. In order to encourage farmers to use organic and bio-based fertilizers, he asked the administration to implement extensive training initiatives and incentives.

He said that these actions will guarantee long-term, healthier food production and sustainable farming methods. In order to help farmers evaluate the quality of their property and get important knowledge about the composition of the soil, Mr. Halder also advocated for the distribution of Soil Health Cards. He maintained that by enabling farmers to make knowledgeable choices regarding crop choice, fertilizer management, and sustainable farming methods, these cards would increase output while preserving the integrity of the soil.