Political Economy of Fertiliser Use in Agriculture: A Study of Two Districts of West Bengal*

Abstract

The overuse of chemical fertiliser in agriculture is a serious concern across the Global South, as well as in India. In this context, a pan-India government programme of soil testing and recommending optimal doses of fertilisers has been introduced. Given this, we have undertaken a study based on a primary survey of 180 sample households in two agriculturally advanced districts of West Bengal, India. We have identified widespread overuse of chemical fertilisers and certain critical drawbacks of the government programme. Crucially, we have also found that over and above farmers’ lack of awareness (and some of their traits), large private fertiliser companies might be playing a dominant role in this practice of overuse. This interventionist exercise should have far-reaching economic, environmental and even sociopolitical impacts, and hence it calls for critical policy involvement. JEL Codes: P16, Q12, Q15, Q18