Published 12:56 IST, December 19th 2023
Urea consumption reaches 253.71 LMT in current fiscal year
Urea consumption has consistently surged, rising from 320 LMT in FY 2018-19 to 357 LMT in FY 2022-23.
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The consumption of chemical fertilizer (Urea) in current fiscal year (FY 2023-24) stands at 253.71 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) till December 10th, according to data provided by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
The surge in Urea consumption has been persistent, as evidenced by the data from the last five fiscal years. From FY 2018-19 to the current fiscal year, the consumption of Urea has risen consistently. Notably, in FY 2018-19, the consumption stood at 320 LMT, and it has steadily climbed to 357 LMT in FY 2022-23. This surge underlines the growing demand for chemical fertilizers and reflects changing agricultural dynamics.
The data also reveals a significant surge in the consumption of NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulphur) fertilizers, reaching 89.37 LMT in the current fiscal year. Notably, fugures presented by Khuba also reveal a substantial increase from 19.72 LMT in FY 2018-19 to 20.46 LMT in FY 2022-23.
Government's awareness drive
Addressing the increasing consumption of chemical fertilizers, the government has initiated measures to create awareness amongst farmers for the balanced and sustainable use of fertilizers, as stated by MoS, Chemicals and Fertilizers in Parliament. The recently approved "PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth (PM-PRANAM)" seeks to promote sustainable and balanced fertilizer use, encourage organic farming, and implement resource conservation technologies.
Moreover, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has sanctioned the Market Development Assistance (MDA) at Rs. 1500/MT to promote organic fertilizers, with a total outlay of Rs 1451.84 crore from FY 2023-24 to 2025-26.
As India witnesses a surge in chemical fertilizer consumption, these government initiatives aim to strike a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, emphasising the need for judicious fertilizer use and promoting alternative and organic farming practices.
20:12 IST, December 17th 2023