Farmer splashing fertilizer in his unpeeled fields on the edge of Vijayawady. | Photo Credit: File Photos
Farmers across Andhra Pradesh are waiting for urea for the current season kharif, while the leaders of agricultural trade unions and agriculture officials estimate a lack of approximately 40%. This is a key period for the application of urea and farmers fear that any further delay could seriously affect crop yields. Kharif’s cultivation in the state covers about 31 lakh hectares.
The State Head of the State Association for Farmers AP tenants B. Balaram said Hindu: “Even the government admitted that there is a lack of urea in the state. Now there is at least 40% shortage. It is the right time to spray urea on crops.”
Several districts, including Sricakulam, Konaseem, Eluru, Kakinada and Kurnool, face acute shortages, leading to long queues in fertilizer shops and public procurement. Little and marginal farmers – most of them rental farmers – are increasingly frustrated. Mr. Balaram attributed crisis to limited allocation, disruption of transport due to recent flood and heavy rains.
Although nano urea (liquid form) is available on the market, farmers are reluctant to use it and prefer conventional solid urea. “Support for nano urea indirectly supports imports and corporate trade. Therefore, the authorities must act properly to prevent crop losses,” Balaram said.
The official of the Ministry of Agriculture, who confirmed the deficiency, said the government is trying to ensure district allocations. “Our district recently received 300 tons of urea. At least 70-75 kg of urea is required for acre and each bag weighs 45 kg.
Because urea distribution is monitored through the integrated fertilizer monitoring system, the state depends on allocations from the center. Recently, the center has sent 10,350 tons to Gangavaram port and another 25,000 tonnes will be sent to the port of Kakinada in the next or two weeks, the Secretariat agricultural official said.
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Published – 31 August 2025 20:23
