Surat, May 2: During the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference’ (VGRC) held in Surat, discussions centered on strengthening self-reliance in the fertilizer sector and increasing investment in tourism infrastructure in the state’s tribal areas.
At Auro University, a national panel discussion was organized on “Strategies for Achieving Self-Reliance in the Fertilizer Sector through Import Substitution,” co-hosted by the state’s Energy and Petrochemicals Department and VGRC.
Over 100 participants attended, including experts from the fertilizer industry, agriculture sector, education, and policy institutions.
Participants discussed India’s ongoing dependence on imports for key fertilizer inputs, particularly potash and phosphatic raw materials, and assessed the need to enhance domestic production capacity.
The discussions also focused on technology-based solutions and policy interventions to improve long-term sustainability in agriculture.
Experts emphasized that while India is one of the largest consumers of fertilizers globally, it still relies on external sources for several critical components.
The importance of boosting domestic production of urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and mixed fertilizers was highlighted, along with promoting alternatives like nano urea, bio-fertilizers, and organic inputs to reduce import dependence and production costs.
They also noted that changing global geopolitical conditions, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuations in input prices have made self-reliance in the fertilizer sector even more crucial for India’s agricultural economy.
The conclusion of the discussion stressed the need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to ensure a stable and affordable supply of fertilizers for farmers.
In a separate session of the conference, the state government outlined its focus on developing tourism infrastructure in tribal and rural areas, while also promoting eco-tourism and initiatives related to cultural heritage.
Addressing a seminar on tourism development, the state’s tourism minister, Dr. Jayaram Gamit, highlighted the growing potential for tourism in the tribal regions of South Gujarat, particularly emphasizing Saputara as a key tourist destination.
He reported that the number of tourists visiting Saputara has increased from 113,000 in the fiscal year 2023-24 to 119,000 in 2025-26.
Leave a Comment