Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Indian government encourages the use of organic fertilizers through various schemes and initiatives, there is no national policy that mandates their use.

1. Organic Farming Initiatives: The Indian government supports organic farming through various programs aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the decision to use organic or chemical fertilizers remains with the farmers, reflecting a more integrated approach to agriculture.
2. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS): The NBS scheme has been instrumental in redefining subsidy distribution in India. By linking subsidies to nutrient content, it aims to promote balanced fertilizer use, ultimately leading to healthier soils and more sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Fertilizer Imports: India's heavy reliance on fertilizer imports is a significant concern for agricultural sustainability. The country's dependency can lead to challenges in maintaining consistent fertilizer availability and affordability for farmers, especially during global supply chain disruptions.

Challenges in Fertilizer Imports

• Dependency on Imports: India relies heavily on imports for key fertilizers, particularly potash and phosphate. The country imports about 90% of its potash needs and a significant portion of phosphates. This dependency creates vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and market fluctuatio

• Geopolitical Tensions:Political instability in supplier countries can disrupt fertilizer supplies. For instance, sanctions on countries like Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have affected global fertilizer prices and availability, impacting Indian imports and agricultural planning.

• Rising Costs: The costs of imported fertilizers have been rising due to global price hikes, impacting farmers' affordability. The increase in crude oil prices also translates to higher costs for nitrogen-based fertilizers, which exacerbates the financial burden on Indian farmers.

• Quality Control: Ensuring the quality of imported fertilizers is a challenge. While the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) regulates domestic fertilizers, monitoring the quality of imported fertilizers can be less stringent, leading to concerns about adulteration and substandard products reaching the market.

Hence option 3rd is correct.