Why does India require a new fertiliser policy?

A new fertiliser policy is expected from the government.
The NITI Aayog has already established a task force to investigate the production and promotion of bio-fertilizers and organic fertilisers.

Between April and mid-December 2022, total fertiliser consumption was 40.146 million metric tonnes (mmt), with 32.076 mmt produced and 12.839 mmt imported.
The demand-supply gap is filled through timely imports.

Some of the steps taken by the government to improve fertiliser availability include: monthly assessment of state-specific requirements; 100% neem coating of urea, which increases nutrient efficiency; monitoring of crop yield and soil health; and online monitoring of fertiliser movement via the integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System.

Substantial subsidies: This has prompted many farmers to use chemical fertilisers such as urea, which increases productivity but reduces soil fertility in the long run.
Excessive and inefficient fertiliser use: According to a UN report, this results in nutrient losses to the environment, as well as the contamination of drinking water and the impact on human lives as a result of unsafe storage practises.
Emission source: With the subsidy being distributed directly to businesses, technology-inefficient businesses are protected, resulting in carbon emissions.
While attempts to reform the fertiliser policy have been made, they have had to be reversed due to pressure from various sources.

Food subsidies: The government has increased food, fertiliser, and fuel subsidies by nearly 70%.
Increased spending: For 2023-24, the fertiliser ministry may seek a 2.5 trillion subsidy – the outlay for FY23 has already surpassed 2 trillion.
Import bill increases: Because Russia is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas, a critical input in the production of urea, prices have risen.

DBT implementation: The fertiliser department distributed urea and nutrient-based subsidies and implemented direct benefit transfer.
One Nation, One Fertilizers (ONOF) Scheme: It also implemented the ONOF scheme, which aims to ensure fertiliser supply on time.
Model fertiliser retail outlets: Existing fertiliser retail outlets at the village, block/sub district/taluk, and district levels are being converted into model fertiliser retail outlets.

Promoting local fertilisers: A lower duty on imported phosphoric acid could be proposed to increase the competitiveness of local fertiliser manufacturers, as well as an incentive to promote organic fertilisers.
Bio-fertilizers and organic fertilisers: The NITI Aayog has already established a task force on bio-fertilizers and organic fertilisers.
Limiting large subsidies: Given the long-term interests of agriculture and the effects of using inorganic fertilisers, saving a significant amount on subsidy support is a positive step.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/why-india-needs-to-go-for-a-fresh-fertilizer-policy-11674066522538.html