Sudha Meiyappan Urges Gradual Move Away from Fertiliser‑Intensive Farming Amid West Asia Crisis

Sudha Meiyappan , member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), addressed the implications of the West Asia crisis on India’s agricultural sector at a panel organised by the Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) on 13 May 2026 . She called for a long‑term shift from the prevailing fertiliser‑intensive agriculture towards more climate‑resilient practices, while cautioning against a hasty switch to organic farming without proper transition. Key Developments Meiyappan urged a phased reduction in fertiliser use, recommending crop‑specific application and location‑based decisions. She highlighted the Sri Lankan experience as a cautionary tale. Col. Rajeev Agarwal (retd) linked the crisis to the strategic importance of the IMEC for alternative connectivity. Prof. S. Pandiaraj stressed that India’s foreign‑policy stance must balance pragmatism with the values of the NAM legacy. Important Facts The panel noted that rising global fertiliser prices, driven by the West Asia conflict, could lead to higher input costs for Indian farmers. Meiyappan warned that even without a formal policy announcement, inflationary pressures from fuel price hikes are already curbing personal consumption, with sectors like gold trade feeling early impacts. UPSC Relevance Understanding the nexus between geopolitical disruptions and domestic agricultural policy is essential for GS 3 (Economy) and GS 2 (International Relations). The discussion illustrates how external shocks can force policy re‑evaluation, a recurring theme in UPSC questions on food security, trade corridors, and India’s strategic autonomy. Way Forward Maintain current fertiliser policies in the short term while initiating research on climate‑smart inputs. Develop a phased roadmap for reducing fertiliser intensity, incorporating region‑specific agronomic recommendations. Strengthen alternative logistics such as the IMEC to mitigate supply‑chain vulnerabilities. Embed lessons from the Sri Lankan episode into policy design to avoid abrupt transitions. Align foreign‑policy actions with the principles of the Non‑Aligned Movement , ensuring that India’s stance remains both pragmatic and value‑driven.