Imbalanced use of fertilizers, low addition of organic matter and non-replacement of depleted micro and secondary nutrients over the years, has resulted in nutrients deficiencies and decrease in soil fertility in some parts of the country.

Minister of state for agriculture Harish Rawat gave this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

However, he made it clear that balanced and judicious use of fertilizers does not deteriorate soil health. He said that government is according high priority to soil testing and is providing assistance to state governments for soil testing laboratories.