Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to promote balanced nutrient management and reduce dependence on conventional fertilisers, the Odisha Government has directed all district administrations to actively promote complex fertilisers as a substitute for DAP and Ammonium Sulphate as a substitute for Urea.
In an official letter issued by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, IAS, informed all District Collectors that the Government of India has planned to supply a large quantity of Ammonium Sulphate (containing 20.5% Nitrogen and 23% Sulphur). This fertiliser can effectively serve as an alternative to Urea while also addressing sulphur deficiency in the soil.
The notification further highlights that the Centre is giving special emphasis on the use of Complex Fertilisers in place of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate), especially since DAP supply has been affected this year.
The letter directs MARKFED personnel at the district level to place indents for Complex Fertilisers and Ammonium Sulphate in proportion to the quantities supplied to each district.
The communication has been marked as ‘most urgent’. Copies of the order have also been forwarded to Chief District Agriculture Officers and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies for necessary follow-up action.
