Odisha Govt asks district collectors to promote alternative fertilisers amid DAP, urea supply concerns

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has directed district collectors to promote complex fertilisers instead of DAP and ammonium sulphate in place of urea. The directive follows concerns over DAP availability and anticipated constraints in urea supply.

The Centre plans to supply large quantities of ammonium sulphate, which contains 20.5% nitrogen and 23% sulphur, making it a viable substitute for urea while addressing sulphur deficiency in soils.

The Government of India is encouraging greater use of complex fertilisers due to reduced DAP supplies this year.

MARKFED has been assigned to lift 60% of all fertiliser stocks supplied to each district and prioritise complex fertilisers and ammonium sulphate.

District-level MARKFED officials have been instructed to place indents based on district-wise allocations.

The “most urgent” communication has been sent to all Chief District Agriculture Officers for immediate implementation.

The Registrar of Co-operative Societies has also been asked to facilitate smooth lifting and distribution of the alternative fertilisers.