We often talk about coal, petrol and factories when we discuss climate change.

But there is another part of the story that begins much closer to home — our farms and the way we grow our food.

A recent study by researchers from Cranfield University and IIT Kharagpur estimates that India has contributed about 0.05°C to global warming so far.

One striking finding:

• Agriculture accounts for about 28% of India's warming impact.
• Much of this comes from methane and nitrous oxide.
• Livestock and rice cultivation are major contributors.

Where do chemical fertilisers fit in?

Modern agriculture depends heavily on nitrogen fertilisers such as urea.

When nitrogen fertiliser is applied to soil:

• Crops absorb only part of the nitrogen.
• Some nitrogen remains in the soil.
• Soil microorganisms convert some of it into nitrous oxide (N₂O).
• N₂O is a powerful greenhouse gas.
• Excess fertiliser can therefore contribute to climate change.

And the problem isn't only the atmosphere.

• Excessive chemical fertiliser use can also:
• Reduce soil biological diversity.
• Disturb natural soil processes.
• Contribute to water pollution through nutrient runoff.
• Increase farmers' dependence on external inputs.
• Gradually move us away from naturally functioning soils.

Can we grow differently?

Yes.

Instead of asking:

“How much chemical fertiliser can we add?”

we can ask:

“How can we make the soil naturally fertile?”

That means encouraging practices such as:

🌱 Compost and well-decomposed organic matter
🌱 Farmyard manure
🌱 Green manures and cover crops
🌱 Crop rotation
🌱 Mulching
🌱 Maintaining soil microorganisms
🌱 Using locally available natural inputs
🌱 Applying nutrients according to actual crop and soil needs

Food is not just about calories

The future of farming should not be about maximum chemical input.

It should be about:

Healthy soil → healthy plants → nutritious food → healthy people → a healthier planet.

Choosing naturally grown food is therefore more than a personal food choice.

It is a way of supporting farmers and farming systems that aim to work with nature rather than constantly overriding it.

Our soil is alive.

Let's treat it that way.