Shimla : The Fertiliser Association of India
(FAI), Northern Region, has organised a four-day residential training program
on ‘Improving Professional and Personal Effectiveness’ at Fagu, Shimla,
Himachal Pradesh. The program, which was inaugurated on 17th June
and will continue until 20th June 2026, has brought together
professionals from across the fertiliser sector to strengthen their
professional competencies and personal effectiveness, while enhancing their
understanding of key industry developments, emerging opportunities, and evolving
challenges facing the sector.
The program covers a broad range of
subjects including fertiliser and raw material scenario, logistics and cost
optimisation, legal aspects of fertiliser trade, iFMS and Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT), international trade and port operations, fertiliser marketing
strategies, new-age fertilisers, integrated nutrient management, precision
agriculture, brand development, productivity improvement, leadership,
interpersonal skills, and time management.
Delivering the Inaugural Address, Dr.
S.P. Mohanty, Co-Chairman, FAI and Managing Director, HURL & AVFCCL,
emphasised that continuous learning, adaptability, and skill enhancement have
become essential in a rapidly evolving business environment. He noted that
professionals today must constantly upgrade their capabilities to keep pace
with changing technologies, operational requirements, and industry
expectations. Stressing the importance of efficiency, innovation, and resource
optimisation, he encouraged participants to embrace change proactively and
build the competencies required to navigate future challenges and
opportunities. He also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability,
energy efficiency, and technological advancements in shaping the future of the
fertiliser sector.
In his Keynote Address, Dr.
Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, FAI, highlighted the critical
role of professional skills across the fertiliser value chain from
manufacturing and logistics to marketing, trade, and policy implementation. He
noted that while the fertiliser sector continues to operate in a regulated
environment, it is also confronted with challenges arising from geopolitical
developments, global disruptions, raw material availability, and changing
agricultural requirements. He stressed that the fertiliser industry's role
extends beyond the supply of products and remains intrinsically linked to
serving farmers and supporting national food security.
Drawing attention to emerging
agricultural challenges, Dr. Chaudhari emphasised the importance of balanced
fertilisation and Integrated Nutrient Management. He observed that the ideal
N:P application ratio has moved significantly out of balance over the years,
underscoring the need for judicious and scientific nutrient management
practices. He also highlighted concerns relating to soil health, declining
organic carbon levels, and nutrient deficiencies, while stressing the
importance of promoting balanced nutrient use. Referring to ongoing innovations
in the sector, he highlighted the growing relevance of new-age fertilisers,
including nano fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, liquid fertilisers, and customised
fertilisers, alongside precision agriculture technologies that can help improve
nutrient-use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural growth.
Dr. Chaudhari further encouraged
participants to actively engage in discussions and knowledge-sharing throughout
the program. He reiterated FAI's continued commitment to developing skilled
human resources and building the capabilities required for the fertiliser
industry to effectively address future opportunities and challenges.
The inaugural session was also
addressed by Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director, ICAR-Central Potato Research
Institute (CPRI), Shimla, who attended as the Guest of Honour. Participants
will also undertake a technical visit to the Central Potato Research Institute,
Kufri, to gain practical exposure to agricultural research, innovation, and
field-level applications.
The training program features expert
faculty from industry, government, research institutions, and technology
organisations, reflecting FAI's continued efforts to promote knowledge sharing,
professional development, and operational excellence across the fertiliser
sector.