Odisha Government Promotes Alternative Fertilizers Amid DAP, Urea Shortages

The Odisha state government has instructed district collectors to encourage the use of complex fertilizers as substitutes for di‑ammonium phosphate (DAP) and to promote ammonium sulphate as an alternative to urea. The directive follows concerns about DAP availability and anticipated constraints in urea supply during the kharif season.

The central government plans to supply large quantities of ammonium sulphate, which contains about 20.5% nitrogen and 23% sulphur, to address both nitrogen needs and sulphur deficiency in soils. MARKFED has been tasked with lifting 60% of fertilizer stocks for each district, prioritising complex fertilizers and ammonium sulphate, and placing indents based on district allocations. Officials are also directed to raise farmer awareness of these alternatives.

State officials deny any fertilizer crisis, noting that Odisha has received roughly 1.82 million metric tonnes of fertilizers and that stocks are sufficient. Opposition accusations of shortages were dismissed as rumors.