Photos of a farmer using urea in his field. Although nano urea is promoted as a more efficient alternative, farmers are still not convinced of their effectiveness, he said. | Photo Credit: AFP
While experts emphasize the need to expand the use of urea, many farmers defend their increased addiction.
“Floods have become more frequent in recent years. When agricultural fields remain submerged for days, crops, especially cotton, bananas and chili peppers, suffer seriously. Gold leaves, plants defective and often die. convinced of his effectiveness, he said.
According to Vithal Benagi, a former director of expansion to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, farmers themselves must not be accused because the extension work was not as effective as it should be. “The weak extension of universities is not subjected to Krishi Vigian Kendras under ICAR.
On the other hand, Raju Teggelli, Head of Krishi Vigian Kendra (Kalaburagi), under the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, acknowledged difficulties in changing established practices. “We worked consistently on the education of farmers about the importance of balanced nutrient management. But old practices are dying hard,” he said.
Alternatives
Meanwhile, there are farmers who have accepted alternatives to solve the problem. Prakash and Anuradha Kulkarni, certified ecological farmers from the village of Honnihal in the Belagavi district, claim that they have managed to grow different crops without the use of urea for over 14 years.
“We decided to go to organic. It took a lot of time and effort, but I was no longer on the market or government inputs such as fertilizers or pesticides. I prepare all my entrances to my farm. It reduced my costs and increased profits.
Published – 3rd August 2025 06:50 is
