Increasing urea usage in Telangana is a concern: J.P. Nadda

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers J.P. Nadda expressed concern over the rising trend in urea consumption in Telangana, but assured that the Centre would provide sufficient fertilizers needed for Telangana for the present season.

The Minister stated that Telangana experienced a 21% increase in urea sales during the 2024-25 Yasangi season compared to the same period in 2023-24. To address this, he highlighted the Centre’s efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

“Through the Pranam scheme, the Central government will offer incentives to States that take proactive steps to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer usage and shift toward organic and natural farming,” Mr. Nadda said.

His statement comes in the wake of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy meeting him in New Delhi seeking sufficient supply of fertilizers for Telangana as cultivation has increased in the State, particularly for the crucial months of July and August, when agricultural activity is at its peak.

Responding to the Chief Minister’s concerns, the Union Minister directed officials from the Department of Fertilizers to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supplies to Telangana. “The needs of farmers are our priority. The Centre will fully support Telangana in meeting its fertilizer demand during the Kharif season,” Mr. Nadda said, according to officials in the Chief Minister’s Office.

Mr. Nadda also advised Telangana government officials to ensure fair and efficient distribution of urea across all districts and to strictly prevent its diversion for non-agricultural purposes. The shortage has also led to a war of words between the Union Ministers from Telangana and the State government, with the latter alleging that the Centre is ignoring Telangana and the Union Ministers denying it.

However, the assurance comes as a relief to Telangana’s farmers, many of whom had expressed concern over the possibility of fertilizer shortages during the current sowing season. The State government has already ramped up distribution logistics to ensure that fertilizers reach farmers in time.