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States seek more urea; Centre says supply exceeds requirement this season

Several states participating in a virtual meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday demanded additional urea to meet growing demand. The minister directed them to take strict action against hoarders and black marketers, stating that the Centre is supplying more fertiliser than required by the states this season. He also urged states to accurately map fertiliser requirements for the forthcoming rabi sowing season. 'There could be two main reasons for the increased demand for urea: first, an increase in the sowing of rice, maize, and other crops due to good rainfall; second, possible misuse of urea for non-agricultural purposes,' Chouhan said. He added that if the demand is genuinely for farming needs, urea will certainly be supplied, and the ministry is working promptly on this. However, if there is any suspicion of misuse, it will be treated as a serious matter, inviting strict action. Chouhan urged all state agriculture ministers to ensure proper use of urea by forming monitoring committees and strengthening oversight mechanisms to track fertiliser distribution and prevent non-agricultural use. The minister said the next rabi conference will be held in Delhi on 15–16 September. On the first day, central and state government officials will draw up a roadmap for rabi crops and discuss seed and fertiliser availability for the season. He added that an action plan for the agriculture sector for the next five years will be prepared, with suggestions from progressive farmers and experts, during the next phase of the 'Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan', which will start on 3 October after Dussehra. Chouhan also announced that no permission will be granted for the sale of bio-stimulants until they are scientifically verified. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the much-talked-about Natural Agriculture Mission from Delhi on 23 August.