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Improving Soil Health for Better Crop Health and Human Nutrition

Author

Listed:
  • Ritika Juneja

    (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER))

  • Biswabara Sahu

  • Ashok Gulati

  • Sachchida Nand

Abstract

Restoring soil health is therefore central to improving both crop health and human nutrition. This policy brief calls for a paradigm shift anchored in 3 P's-Policy, Products, and Practices. The policy switch towards rational pricing of fertilisers and targeted support to farmers can catalyse the development and adoption of precise, customised, and site-specific fertilisation solutions, underpinned by rigorous R&D, soil diagnostics, and crop-specific nutrient requirements. These products, when complemented by appropriate agronomic practices can restore soil biological, chemical, and physical health. Only when soils are adequately nourished can they consistently produce food that sustains health rather than merely alleviates hunger. Ensuring healthy soils is therefore not just an agricultural priority, but a public health imperative critical to India's long-term development.

Suggested Citation

  • Ritika Juneja & Biswabara Sahu & Ashok Gulati & Sachchida Nand, 2026. "Improving Soil Health for Better Crop Health and Human Nutrition," Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) Policy Paper 63, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), New Delhi, India.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdc:ppaper:63
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mary H. Ward & Rena R. Jones & Jean D. Brender & Theo M. De Kok & Peter J. Weyer & Bernard T. Nolan & Cristina M. Villanueva & Simone G. Van Breda, 2018. "Drinking Water Nitrate and Human Health: An Updated Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-31, July.
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