The government of Odisha has instructed district officials to advocate for the use of Complex Fertilisers and Ammonium Sulphate instead of relying on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Urea. This initiative seeks to boost soil health, ensure balanced nutrient management, and overcome challenges related to fertiliser supply.
In an urgent communication, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS, mandated all District Collectors to encourage the transition towards nutrient-balanced fertilisers, specifically promoting Complex Fertilisers as a substitute for DAP and recommending Ammonium Sulphate as an alternative to Urea. These directives have also been sent to Chief District Agriculture Officers and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies for prompt action.
This initiative comes in response to changes in the national fertiliser supply landscape. The Government of India has advised states to increase the use of Complex Fertilisers due to this year’s disruptions in DAP supplies. To ensure timely access, district-level officials of MARKFED have been instructed to place orders for Complex Fertilisers and Ammonium Sulphate according to their district allocations.
Moreover, the state has announced that significant amounts of Ammonium Sulphate will be provided by the Centre, which contains 20.5% nitrogen and 23% sulphur. This fertiliser not only serves as a substitute for Urea but is also expected to rectify sulphur deficiencies in agricultural soils, enhancing the nutrient balance for crops.
Officials indicated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy by Odisha to promote balanced nutrient management and reduce reliance on conventional fertilisers. By diversifying fertiliser options, the government aims to foster healthier soils while ensuring farmers have access to appropriate nutrient alternatives amid fluctuations in national fertiliser supplies.
The recent directive underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing sustainable farming practices through better fertiliser management while ensuring sufficient input availability during uncertain supply periods.
