Akhilesh writes to Modi over fertiliser shortage in UP

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent supply of 8.50 lakh tonnes (LT) of urea for rabi crop under cultivation.

Of this emergency demand, 4.50 LT and 4 LT would be required in the cooperative sector and private sector respectively.

Yadav also broached upon the problems faced by the state’s farmers due to ‘inadequate and delayed supply’ of fertiliser, as UP is dependent upon the Centre for its supply.

The CM lamented so far only 35 LT of UP’s quota of 38 LT of fertilisers had been supplied leading to a shortfall of 3 LT in the state.

To tide over sudden spurt in demand during sowing, the state has now decided to store in advance 2 LT to meet emergency urea shortage so as to negate any crop loss.

The previous regime of Mayawati had also written several letters to the Centre over the fertiliser shortage, especially during rabi season. The major fertilisers used in UP, include urea and Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), besides other soil nutrients.

UP is the largest fertiliser consumer and accounts for almost 18 percent of domestic consumption. The fertiliser prices are currently highest in UP, as the state government has imposed an additional tax of about 5 percent and fertiliser industry demands this tax be lifted.

Imbalance in fertiliser use is a major concern in India today, as it not only harms soil, but the resultant agricultural produce has lesser nutrition value.

Currently, there is acute shortage of fertiliser in market and the Centre is hard pressed to make adequate provision to the various state governments. India does not have potash reserves, which is one of vital fertiliser components. India’s current urea production capacity is only 200 LT. Other inputs such as gas are also scarce.