Iran War and the Fossil Fuel Trap of Indian Agriculture

Context

India’s fossil fuel-based agricultural system, developed during the Green Revolution, is facing global geopolitical shocks like the Iran conflict.

Key Highlights

• The Green Revolution in India has been one of its most significant development achievements. It transformed the country from food scarcity to food security in foodgrain production. 
• The West Asia conflict, especially the involvement of Iran and the geopolitically important Strait of Hormuz, has exposed the frailties of this paradigm. 
• Disruptions and global energy price hikes are now threatening India’s farming sector and food security.

From Bullocks to Tractors: Farming in the 21st Century

• Animal power dominated Indian farming in the past. Bullocks were used for ploughing, threshing, pulling water from wells and carrying loads. The animals also provided organic fertiliser, making agriculture highly sustainable and almost self-sufficient.
• India had just 5,000 tractors at the time of Independence. Now, it has more than 12 million tractors, and more than 1.16 million tractors were sold in 2025-26 alone. The use of machines has significantly boosted productivity and relieved human and animal labour.
• This process – known as “de-bullockisation” – has changed rural India. Today, the share of draught animals in overall farm power (above 50% until the early 1970s) is only 2.3%. Farmers now rely primarily on electricity and mechanics for power.

Fossilisation of Indian Agriculture

• The concept of “fossilisation” relates to growing reliance on fossil fuel-based inputs in agriculture. This includes:
  • Fertilisers are produced from natural gas and petroleum products.
  • Diesel-powered tractors and harvesters are used, as are diesel pumps.
  • Pesticides are based on petroleum solvents and emulsifiers.
  • Diesel fuels transport of agricultural inputs and product.
• This petroleum-farmed agriculture has increased productivity but has also made agriculture extremely sensitive to global energy and commodity prices.

Why the Iran Conflict Matters

• The Strait of Hormuz, which lies near Iran, is a vital shipping route. It is used to transport a substantial part of the world’s oil, gas and fertilisers.
• India is immediately impacted by any concerns in the region. Fertiliser production is particularly vulnerable because:
  • India imports more than 50% of the natural gas it needs.
  • India has scarce natural deposits of rock phosphate, potash and sulphur.
  • In addition, much fertiliser is transported through the West Asian route.
• There are therefore potential price impacts, shortages and inflation in the food sector due to escalating geopolitical tensions.

Impact on Fertilisers and Crop Protection Chemicals

• Fertiliser production in India is highly reliant on imports. Ammonia, used for producing urea, is made from natural gas. DAP is produced using imported phosphoric acid and ammonia.
• Disruptions in global supply chains can result in:
  • Increased fertiliser prices
  • Limited availability at critical planting times
  • Greater subsidy burden on the government
  • Reduced profitability for farmers
• Likewise, the agriculture sector uses petroleum solvents and intermediates. Increased oil prices impact the price of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Need for a Sustainable Transition

• The crisis highlights the need to make agriculture less reliant on fossil fuels. India needs to hasten the shift towards a more sustainable agriculture.
• Key measures include:
  • Encouraging solar irrigation pumps
  • Promoting biofertilisers and organic fertilisers
  • Promoting precision farming technologies
  • Supporting electric farm machinery
  • Building a domestic fertiliser and critical minerals supply
• Blending traditional with new sustainable technology can contribute to a climate-smart food system.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

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