Scientists today cautioned that loss of soil fertility was posing an immediate threat to food production and could result in a catastrophe no less than other forms of environmental degradation, reports UNB.

"This nutrient exhaustion would be a real threat to food security and the lives and livelihood of millions of people of the country." said Dr Z Karim of BARC at a workshop.

Agri-scientists at the function suggested that agricultural inputs should be used in. a balanced. efficient and ecologically sound manner to stop the depletion of about 250 kg soil nutrients per hectare every years.

They, however, observed growing awareness in respect of social and econuinic aspects of rapid environmental degradation and the misuse, overuse or underuse of chemical inputs In agriculture, including mineral fertilizers, had gained considerable momentum in recent years.

The three day training workshops on "Updating Fertilizer Recommendation Guide" began at the Bangladesh Agricull oral Research Council

(BARC) auditorium yesterday morning

BARC and Canadian Inter national Development Agency (CIDA) Jointly organised the workshop. More than 100 agricultural scientists from dif ferent research organisations and Department of Agricultural Extension are attending it.

Scientist Emeritus of NARS Dr Kazi M Badruddoea. Executive Vice-Chairman of BARC Dr M Sujayet Ullah Chowdhury. Member-Director of BARC Dr Z Karim and Counsellor (Dev.) of Canadian High Commission Dr John Deyell spoke at the inaugural session.

Referring to a Nobel laureate scientist. Dr Borlaug. Dr Badruddoza said adequate fer-tllizers and new technologies in the developing countries are

essential to stay‘ahead of the growing demand for food

Dr Badruddoza said soil fertility problems would continue to grow These must be studied and recommendations periodically updated by Soil Research Development Institute. “We must make the most productive and economic use of fertilizers."

Referring to statistics of growing use of fertilizer. Dr Z Karim said trends in the consumption of fertilizer nutrients In Bangladesh were 101 kg per hectare in 1990 against only 20 kg per hectare In 1973. The highest use of fertilizer Is 509 kg per hectare in Republic of Korea.

Modifications of existing fertilizer-use technologies or

Installation of Improved technologies to eliminate or reduce the level of pollution may require and infusion of capital and a substantial increase in operating costs, pushing fertilizer largely beyond the reach of the fanners of our country, lie said.

Fertilizer use efficiency at the farm level Is still very low. This necessitates updating the current practices for fertilizer use for different crops grown in the varied range of environments. he said.

Dr Karim said to produce sufficient food to keep pace with the rapidly growing population and to alleviate hunger. Intensified agricultural production in favourable ecological conditions must be carried on.