Here is a clear and concise analysis of why many Indian farmers continue using traditional farming methods, especially because chemical fertilizers are seen as a threat to soil health and human health:—

Analysis: Why Indian Farmers Prefer Traditional Farming Due to Chemical Fertilizer Threats Many Indian farmers are gradually returning to traditional or natural farming methods because long-term use of chemical fertilizers has created multiple threats. These concerns influence their shift toward organic or low-input practices.—

1. Soil Degradation Long-term use of chemical fertilizers (especially urea, DAP, potash) has caused:Loss of soil organic matter Decline in soil microorganisms Hardening and crusting of soil Reduction in soil fertility over time Traditional farming (cow dung manure, compost, crop residue recycling) helps restore:Soil carbon Natural nutrients Soil texture and water retention—

2. Soil Nutrient Imbalance Chemical fertilizers provide only N-P-K, but crops need 16+ nutrients.Overuse has caused:Micronutrient deficiencies (zinc, boron, iron) Nutrient imbalance in important states like Punjab, Haryana, UP Traditional methods provide balanced nutrients naturally.—

3. Health Risks for Humans Improper use of fertilizers can lead to:Chemical residues in food. Risk of nitrate contamination in water Increased chances of long-term health issues (gastric disorders, kidney stress, etc.)This pushes farmers and consumers toward chemical-free farming.—

4. High Input Cost Burden Chemical fertilizers have become expensive due to:Rising subsidy cuts Transport costs Increasing dependency on external inputs Traditional farming reduces dependency and lowers cultivation cost.—

5. Water Pollution Excessive use of chemical fertilizers leads to:Runoff into rivers and lakes Pollution of groundwater Algal blooms and eutrophication Natural farming practices reduce pollution risk.—

6. Soil Health Crisis in Intensive Farming States Regions like Punjab, Haryana, Western UP, Maharashtra belts report:Declining soil fertility Reduced earthworm population Heavy chemical dependency This has encouraged farmers to adopt:Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)Organic farming Mixed cropping—

7. Consumer Demand for Organic Food Urban consumers prefer:Pesticide-free vegetables Organic grains This motivates farmers to shift to traditional/organic methods for better market prices.—

8. Government Policies Supporting Traditional Farming Schemes like:Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP)

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

State-level organic missionsencourage farmers to reduce chemical use.—

Conclusion Chemical fertilizers have played a major role in India’s Green Revolution, but long-term overuse has caused soil degradation, health risks, and environmental damage. Because of these threats, a growing number of farmers are moving back to traditional, organic, and natural farming systems that restore soil fertility, reduce costs, and support healthier food production.—