The programme, “Strengthening Dealer Industry Partnership for Safe, Responsible & Sustainable Agriculture”, touched on issues such as responsible product use, need for farmer awareness, industry & distributers joint stewardship initiatives, and safe agricultural practices amid evolving regulatory expectations.

The programme was organised in Amritsar on Friday by ACFI, a non-profit organisation representing  85% of the Indian agrochemical industry.

Dr Amarjit Singh Dosanjh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Amritsar, Government of Punjab, said, “The Government welcomes the efforts of ACFI towards encouraging greater awareness on the safe and judicious use of crop protection products in line with sustainable agriculture practices. He emphasised that the capacity building of dealers and distributors is essential because they are the first source of technical guidance for farmers. By promoting responsible advisory, preventing counterfeit products and encouraging compliance with regulatory guidelines, such initiatives contribute to better farm outcomes while protecting human health and the environment. The Punjab government extends its support to strengthen regulatory compliance by fostering coordination among the regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders and dealer networks. ”

Attended by agri dealers, distributors, retailers, field-level advisors and sales and marketing professionals from across the agricultural value chain, the industry and channel partners vowed to play a stronger role in promoting the safe, scientific, and responsible use of agrochemicals while supporting Indian agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

Dr Ranjesh Singh, General Manager (Head)- Regulatory Affairs & Product Development at Bharat Certis AgriScience Ltd. said, “Agri dealers and distributors are often the first point of contact for farmers, placing them in a critical position to promote the scientific and responsible use of agrochemicals. The programme highlighted the importance of responsible advisory practices in building farmer trust, countering misinformation on pesticide use, strengthening industry–distribution network coordination and improving farmer awareness at the grassroots level.

“Greater collaboration among industry, dealers and distributors is essential to advancing sustainable agriculture, promoting awareness around safe and judicious agrochemical use, and strengthening adherence to evolving stewardship and regulatory standards,” he added.

Mr Deepak Sharma, President, Agri Input Dealers Association, H.O Amritsar talked about the best practices for responsible agri-input retailing, preventing counterfeit products, enhancing productivity while ensuring environmental safety, and encouraging informed decision-making at the farm level.

The programme additionally focused on knowledge sharing, technical training, and the adoption of modern agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity while balancing environmental responsibility and user safety.

Several government, industry and dealer associations attended the event and busted the myth on pesticide usage and addressed the need to promote sustainable agriculture and the role of dealers in promoting scientific use of agrochemicals.

The campaign is centred around the message: “If soil is protected, farming will survive, farmers will prosper, and the nation will thrive.” Agricultural experts underline that soil health is the foundation of agricultural productivity and food security. Continued degradation of soil fertility could lead to lower crop yields, higher cultivation costs, and long-term risks to food production.

As part of the initiative, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is actively working to raise awareness among farmers about soil health management, balanced nutrient application, and modern agricultural practices. Experts note that while the Green Revolution significantly boosted foodgrain production, the excessive and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has adversely affected soil quality in many regions. Overuse of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash has disrupted nutrient balance, while declining levels of beneficial microorganisms and organic carbon have reduced the soil’s water-holding capacity.

A key focus of the campaign is promoting the use of Soil Health Cards, which provide scientific recommendations on nutrient deficiencies and fertiliser requirements for individual farms. The initiative seeks to encourage balanced fertiliser use, reduce input costs, and preserve soil fertility over the long term.

The campaign also promotes natural and organic farming practices, including the use of farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, and green manure to improve soil health and sustain productivity. Farmers are being trained in these techniques to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.

Recognising the growing water crisis, the campaign places special emphasis on water conservation through drip and sprinkler irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient farming technologies. Farmers are also being educated on seed treatment, balanced nutrient management, modern sowing techniques, crop diversification, and selecting crops suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

In addition, the initiative aims to protect farmers from economic losses caused by counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides by educating them about identifying quality agricultural inputs and ensuring their proper use.

Dr P.S. Gahlaut, Managing Director of Indian Potash Limited, said that the use of balanced fertilisers, Soil Health Cards, organic manures, and micronutrients can significantly improve soil health. He added that amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and rising global fertiliser prices, the need for soil conservation and balanced nutrient management has become more critical than ever.