State Government Requests More Urea for Farmers
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has asked the central government to provide 1.80 lakh metric tonnes (LMTs) of urea from domestic companies for March. This is to meet the needs of farmers during the ongoing sowing season.
Officials estimate that a total of 9.80 lakh tonnes of urea will be needed for the 2024 Yasangi season. So far, the state has purchased 9.08 lakh tonnes, including initial stock from the beginning of the season. Out of the 8.54 LMTs allocated by the Centre, only 7.27 LMTs have been delivered through road and rail transport.
To ensure farmers receive the required fertiliser, the state has instructed Agriculture and MARKFED officials to distribute stock from district offices to mandal offices and villages. Mandal Agriculture Officers, Assistant Agriculture Directors, District Agriculture Officers, and MARKFED officials are regularly reviewing the situation and ensuring adequate supply.
With the start of the sowing season, the area under maize and paddy cultivation has increased by 6.25 lakh acres compared to last year. As a result, farmers have purchased 1.99 LMTs more urea this season than in the previous season.
The state government is taking steps to prevent any shortage of urea by holding regular meetings with the Department of Fertilisers. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser. Farmers have been advised not to panic and to contact the nearest food processing facility for stock availability.