The preeminent fertilizer cooperative in the nation has commended Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, for setting a deadline for the cessation of urea imports in the country.
There is an optimism in the Ministry, that the proliferation of Nano fertilizers will negate the necessity for urea imports beyond the year 2025. Mandaviya outlined a dual strategy: reviving closed urea plants and boosting domestic production, aiming to surpass the annual demand of 350 lakh tonnes.
In response to this development, Dr. U S Awasthi, Managing Director of IFFCO, expressed satisfaction, stating, “I am pleased to learn that alternative fertilizers such as nano liquid urea and nano liquid di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) are gaining acceptance among farmers nationwide.”
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to promote these innovative nano-technology-based fertilizers, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and significant benefits to farmers, both in terms of crop yield and soil health.
Awasthi conveyed gratitude to Dr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, acknowledging his efforts in championing and advancing these alternative fertilizers. Additionally, he underscored the crucial role played by cooperatives throughout the country in this endeavour.
In an interview with PTI, Minister Mandaviya articulated India’s ambition to halt urea imports by 2025, aiming to bridge the supply-demand disparity through increased domestic manufacturing.
Traditionally, chemical fertilizers have been the backbone of crop cultivation for over six decades. However, the government is now advocating for the adoption of alternative fertilizers, such as nano liquid urea and DAP, to enhance both crop productivity and soil health.
Mandaviya outlined a comprehensive strategy, involving the revival of defunct urea plants and bolstering domestic production capacities, with the goal of surpassing the annual demand of 350 lakh tonnes.
Through these measures and the promotion of nano urea, India is striving for self-sufficiency in urea production, thereby eliminating dependence on imports and potentially saving substantial sums in import expenditure.