Chandigarh, June 19 : The Fertiliser Association of India , 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 , 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 , 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.