Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has asked district administrations to promote complex fertilisers as an alternative to diammonium phosphate (DAP) and ammonium sulphate as a substitute for urea to ensure balanced nutrient management during the ongoing kharif season.The directive comes amid concerns over fertiliser availability following supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. With monsoon setting in and kharif operations underway, farmers across the state have expressed apprehension over timely availability of key fertilisers.In a “most urgent” communication to all district collectors, agriculture secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav said the Centre has planned to supply a substantial quantity of ammonium sulphate, which contains 20.5% nitrogen and 23% sulphur. The department said the fertiliser can serve as an effective alternative to urea while also helping correct sulphur deficiency, which is increasingly being reported in agricultural soils.The letter said the Centre has placed special emphasis on the use of complex fertilisers in place of DAP, whose supply has been affected this year. Officials said the strategy is intended to reduce dependence on conventional fertilisers and encourage balanced application of nutrients in different cropping systems.To streamline availability, MARKFED has been assigned to lift 60% of all fertiliser supplies earmarked for districts. District-level MARKFED officials have been directed to place indents for complex fertilisers and ammonium sulphate in proportion to the quantities allocated to their respective districts.
