The government has said that the domestic urea production in the country has significantly increased from 230 lakh metric tonnes to 315 lakh metric tonnes over the past decade. Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha today, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers J.P. Nadda said that several new fertiliser plants have been established in various places, including Gorakhpur, Sindri, Barauni, Ramagundam and Panagarh, since 2014 to boost production. He said India is strengthening its fertiliser supply chain through long-term agreements with various countries such as Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to ensure steady imports.

The Minister said there is enough fertiliser in the country for the Kharif season, and farmers should not be worried. He said the government is also looking for diversification and new markets from where it can get raw materials.

Mr Nadda said that the government has taken several steps for a balanced use of Urea and to reduce import dependence. He said that soil test-based fertilisation is being actively promoted through the Soil Health Card scheme. The Minister said that around 24 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers, enabling them to understand the specific nutrient requirements of their soil and crops.