The government confirmed in Parliament that there are no plans to raise urea prices. The reduction in urea bag sizes, from 50 kg to 45 kg and sometimes 40 kg, aims to promote balanced fertilizer usage and enhance soil health. Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel stated that this move encourages farmers to use fertilizers judiciously and efficiently.
The current maximum retail price for a 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea is Rs 242 per bag, excluding neem coating charges and taxes. Similarly, the price for a 40 kg bag of sulphur-coated urea is Rs 254, excluding Central and State levies/GST. These adjustments are designed to support sustainable agricultural practices without imposing additional financial burdens on farmers.
Responding to another query, the minister highlighted a significant increase in the adoption of nano-fertilizers. Sales have reached 1,593.37 lakh bottles of 500ml each, including Nano Urea and Nano DAP. Field trials by institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) have shown that nano-fertilizers can enhance yields while reducing urea consumption by 25–50%.
To ensure the long-term efficacy of these innovations, the government has initiated various research projects. These include a Phase-II study with the National Productivity Council to evaluate the replacement of conventional urea and a five-year network project with ICAR to assess nitrogen use efficiency across different agro-ecological zones. Efforts are being made to address concerns about inconsistent performance and nutrient deficiencies, particularly at higher substitution levels, through standardizing application protocols and promoting balanced fertilizer use.
