ICL’s Agronomist Insights: Dr. Shailendra Pratap Singh
Boosting knowledge to advance crop production in India
India is unique. The size of the country, the variety of soil types, landscapes, and climates as you move from North to South and Easy to West are staggering. It’s no surprise the specific challenges farmers face from region to region vary. But, according to Dr. Shailendra Pratap Singh, ICL Growing Solutions Senior Agronomist in India, the main topics throughout the country are remarkably consistent.
Indian farmers, much like farmers all around the world, are concerned about climate change, soil health, irrigation water quality, and the effect biotic and abiotic stresses have on their crops and their yields. But, according to Dr Singh, there is one other major concern for Indian farmers, and that is a knowledge gap in farm nutrition.
Growers are keen to learn more about crop nutrition management, best practices for crop nutrition, and identifying the correct fertilizers and nutrition solutions to deliver the optimum crop response and yields, and this is one of the main activities for Dr Singh as ICL Growing Solutions Senior Agronomist in India.
Dr. Shailendra Pratap Singh runs crop trials with institutions, creates demonstration plots, hosts conferences, and develops farmer engagement programs, all to nurture farmer’s knowledge and provide them with the information they crave.
Dr Singh also relies on his field team to reach all corners of the country, working to engage, encourage, and train the team to equip them with the information, knowledge, and skills that farmers require. With farmers often asking about specific products, including Polysulphate, Nutrivant, and Fertiflow, the agronomy team needs to be able to explain how these products can enable crops to reach their full yield potential.
In such a rich and diverse country, this is no small task, but it’s one that Dr. Shailendra Pratap Singh relishes. There is great satisfaction in seeing what Indian farmers can achieve with access to accurate information and optimal solutions tailored to their unique agricultural landscapes.