Russia-Ukraine War Could Cause Fertilizer Shortage In JH, Warns Centre

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine may have an impact on the supply of fertilizers in Jharkhand. The Center has also informed the Jharkhand government about this.

The Center has told the state government that there is a need to keep a special watch on the supply of fertilizers during the Kharif season this year. Farmers need to be informed about its alternatives. On the coming Monday, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar is again going to review with the states regarding this.

The Government of India produces 66 per cent of the total fertilizer requirement in the country, the rest of the manure comes from other countries. However, most of the manure comes from Russia and Ukraine. Apart from this, manure also comes from China. Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, imports from there are completely stopped. China has refused to send urea to other countries. Instructions have been given to the states regarding how to deal with this shortcoming.

Jharkhand agriculture director Nisha Oraon says that there will be special emphasis on stopping black marketing of urea. Efforts will be made that the right farmers can get urea. Special monitoring will be done for this. Farmers are urged not to purchase urea without posh machine. Last year, a special campaign was launched to stop black marketing of urea. In 2020-21, 1500 and in 2021-22 also close to 1000 shops were inspected. In both the years together, more than 200 licenses were suspended. More than 20 FIRs were also registered.

Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh said that the Government of India has warned about tje shortage of manure in Kharif season this year. In view of this, instructions have been given to the officials to make preparations. The officials are directed to pay special attention to the supply of fertilizers and the facilities provided to the farmers.

As per the representatives of fertilizer companies, the price of urea which comes from abroad is Rs 4000 to 4500 per bag. Apart from this, the cost of urea that the company is making in the country is Rs 2900 to 3200 per bag. It sells for Rs 300 per bag among farmers. The price of the raw material from which urea is manufactured has increased.

The central government has fixed the allocation of fertilizers for Jharkhand. The state government had asked for 225000 MT of urea to which, 17000 MT of urea has been promised. Apart from this, 75000 MT DAP, 2000 MT MOP, 10000 MT SSP, 30000 MT NPKS have been promised.