Urea Availability to Farmers Being Ensured, Says Tummala

HYDERABAD: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Tuesday urged farmers, especially those with large farm holdings, not to rush to purchase large quantities of urea at a single time, stating that the government was committed to equitable distribution of the fertiliser to all farmers, including those with small and marginal holdings.

Urea supplies will be provided in phases according to need and stage of the crop. Farmers should also be cautious not to use urea in excess as this can damage soil fertility, the minister said.

Nageswara Rao, addressing farmers via videoconferencing during the weekly Rythu Nestham programme, said, 22.67 lakh urea bags were available at retail outlets, 5.56 lakh with cooperative societies, 59.56 lakh with Markfed, and 3.56 lakh bags were available in warehouses in the state.

He said farmers who do not have a smartphone, or were unable to use the fertiliser app for various reasons, could also a toll-free service available daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Upon receiving a call, staff will complete the urea booking process on the farmers’ behalf, and help them throughout the process.

Measures are being taken to ensure that only genuine farmers receive fertilizers and that individuals without agricultural land cannot purchase urea. The state is coordinating with the central government to secure the required urea quota and steps are being taken to ensure timely transportation of urea to districts through railway wagons and trucks, he said.