Urea in Agriculture: Uses, Problems and Policy Measures
Why in the news
A urea shortage in Telangana caused long queues at fertilizer shops and a row between the Centre, the state and the opposition.
Key facts
- Composition: 46% nitrogen; white, crystalline, highly soluble; formula CO(NH₂)₂.
- Role: nitrogen for plant growth, protein synthesis and chlorophyll formation.
- Consumption: India is the second-largest consumer after China; subsidy makes it the cheapest nitrogen source.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Soil application | Granules for wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, cotton |
| Foliar spray | Diluted solution on leaves |
| Blending | Mixed with DAP, MOP |
| Coated urea | Neem coating cuts volatilisation losses |
| Liquid urea | Used in fertigation |
Concerns
- Overuse upsets soil balance and lowers yields.
- Nitrate leaching pollutes water; nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas.
- Subsidy above ₹2 lakh crore a year invites diversion and black marketing.
Government measures
- Neem-coated urea (2015) mandatory.
- Direct Benefit Transfer in fertilizer subsidy.
- Nano Urea by IFFCO.
Exam angle
- Nitrogen content: 46%.
- Terms: fertigation, foliar spray.