IFA: Why is it important to talk about potassium in South Asian agriculture? What is currently the trend in K fertilizer application in that region?
Dr. Majumdar: South Asian farmers apply inadequate amounts of potassium in crops and cropping systems, leading to yield and economic losses. The current trend shows significant negative balance (input - output) of potassium at local, regional and national scale, pointing towards large-scale mining of native potassium. At a broader perspective, depletion of native potassium in soils may adversely affect future food security and soil health in the region. This issue needs to be in the forefront of discussion to increase awareness of the farmers, scientists and the policy-makers.