17.31 lakh MT of fertilizers allocated to AP

Dr. S. Dilli Rao, Director of the Agriculture Department, announced that the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has allocated 17.31 lakh Metric Tons (MT) of fertilizers to Andhra Pradesh for the upcoming Kharif season. This includes 6.50 lakh MT of Urea, 2.60 lakh MT of DAP, 0.70 lakh MT of MOP (Potash), 6.30 lakh MT of complex fertilizers, 0.94 lakh MT of SSP (Super Phosphate), and 0.27 lakh MT of other fertilizers. Dr. Rao explained that the allocation was based on the area under cultivation, nutrient availability in the soil, and fertilizer usage trends over the past five years.
A National Level Kharif and Zonal Conference for the 2025 Kharif season was convened by the Joint Secretary of the Department of Fertilizers at the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Agriculture Commissioners from all states participated in the conference. During the meeting, officials assessed the fertilizer requirements for each state. The central government’s allocations were based on factors such as the extent of cultivated land, the types of crops grown, soil conditions, and fertilizer consumption patterns observed in the last five years.
Dr. Dilli Rao issued a press release outlining the expected cultivation areas and fertilizer requirements for the 2025 Kharif season. The Agriculture Department estimates that approximately 55.25 lakh hectares will be dedicated to various crops. Paddy will occupy the largest area, covering 15.26 lakh hectares, followed by Cotton at 5.36 lakh hectares, Groundnut at 4.93 lakh hectares, Redgram at 3.65 lakh hectares, Mirchi at 2.46 lakh hectares, Maize at 1.46 lakh hectares, Blackgram at 0.37 lakh hectares, Sorghum at 0.10 lakh hectares, Greengram at 0.09 lakh hectares, Sesame at 0.11 lakh hectares, Millets at 0.24 lakh hectares, and vegetables at approximately 0.45 lakh hectares.
In addition, Dr. Dilli Rao highlighted concerns about the nutrient levels in the soil. Nitrogen availability is below 71%, Phosphorus levels are less than 17.56%, Potash stands at 13%, Zinc is under 38%, Iron at 31%, Boron at 21%, and Manganese availability is under 13%. To address these deficiencies, the Department of Fertilizers has allocated around 17.31 lakh MT of fertilizers to the state. The fertilizer requirements were finalised after discussions with the Minister for Agriculture, K. Atcchennaidu.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the national conference, the Union government has encouraged all states to promote the use of Nano Urea and Nano DAP as alternatives to conventional Urea and DAP. Additionally, states were urged to consider using Phosphorus instead of super-phosphate fertilizers to improve soil health, while ensuring the availability of Sulfur and Calcium. Dr. Dilli Rao expressed his satisfaction with the fertilizer allocation provided to the state by the Central government.