In a significant development for the agriculture sector, Andhra Pradesh has received its full allocation of fertilisers for the ongoing kharif season, ensuring that farmers across the state can carry out sowing and crop management without the stress of input shortages. The Department of Fertilisers under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers confirmed dispatch and supply alignments to meet state-wise demands as sowing intensifies.
🚜 Full quota secured amidst sowing acceleration
According to officials from the Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Department, the state’s requirement of urea, DAP, MOP, and complex fertilisers for kharif was projected at approximately 17 lakh metric tonnes (MT), which has been fully allocated by the Centre. This proactive move comes amid concerns in other states over delayed fertiliser rakes due to logistical bottlenecks and erratic monsoon affecting demand spikes.
📊 Breakdown of kharif fertiliser allocation for Andhra Pradesh
| Fertiliser type | Allocation for kharif (MT) | Supplied till date (MT) | Balance to arrive (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urea | 8,90,000 | 6,30,000 | 2,60,000 |
| DAP | 3,80,000 | 2,90,000 | 90,000 |
| MOP | 1,50,000 | 1,00,000 | 50,000 |
| NPK Complex | 2,80,000 | 2,10,000 | 70,000 |
| Total | 17,00,000 | 12,30,000 | 4,70,000 |
(Data as per state agriculture department compilation till 8 July 2025)
🌧️ Importance of timely fertiliser supply in kharif
The kharif season, which relies on monsoon rains for sowing operations, demands optimal input availability during June-August. Major crops in Andhra Pradesh such as paddy, maize, groundnut, cotton, and pulses have critical fertiliser application schedules in the first 40 days of sowing.
Agronomists note that any delay in urea top-dressing or basal application of DAP can reduce yield potential significantly. The current full quota allotment is thus seen as vital for productivity, food security, and farmer income stability in the state.
🗣️ State and central government statements
Agriculture Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy welcomed the Centre’s prompt allocation:
“I thank the Union Ministry for ensuring timely fertiliser supply. We are coordinating with all district officials to monitor distribution, prevent black marketing, and ensure last-mile delivery to every farmer.”
A senior official from the Department of Fertilisers added:
“Despite increased demand pressures from several states, Andhra Pradesh’s requisition was prioritised owing to its advanced sowing timelines and crop diversification under kharif.”
💡 Measures to streamline fertiliser distribution
The state government has directed district agriculture offices to:
✅ Ensure strict POS machine billing at all fertiliser retail outlets under the DBT scheme.
✅ Conduct surprise inspections to curb hoarding or unauthorised diversion to other states.
✅ Maintain buffer stock in mandal-level godowns to handle localised shortages due to transport delays.
✅ Promote soil test-based fertiliser usage to enhance nutrient efficiency and reduce input costs.
🔍 Challenges reported despite full allocation
While the allocation matches demand, officials admit that intra-state logistical issues remain, especially in tribal and agency areas of Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, and Parvathipuram Manyam districts, where fertiliser transport requires additional coordination due to terrain and security restrictions.
🌾 Fertiliser use pattern in major crops (Andhra Pradesh kharif)
| Crop | Estimated area (lakh ha) | Average fertiliser usage (kg/ha) | Key nutrients required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy | 16.5 | 135 | N, P |
| Maize | 4.2 | 110 | N, P, K |
| Groundnut | 3.1 | 80 | P, K |
| Cotton | 1.9 | 105 | N, P, K |
| Pulses | 1.8 | 35 | P |
(Source: State Agriculture Department 2025 kharif projections)
🗓️ Outlook for the rest of kharif season
Agriculture scientists and planners emphasise that monsoon revival in July’s second half will be crucial to translating fertiliser availability into actual yield gains. With IMD forecasting above-normal rains in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, the fertiliser utilisation rate is expected to remain optimal, supporting the state’s food production targets.
🔭 Long-term fertiliser management plans
Andhra Pradesh is focusing on:
- Scaling up nano-urea usage to reduce bulk fertiliser dependency.
- Promoting organic manure and bio-fertilisers under the Natural Farming Mission.
- Training farmers in integrated nutrient management (INM) for sustainable soil health.
✅ Disclaimer
This article summarises fertiliser allocation and supply data from state agriculture departments and official statements. Readers are advised to consult local agriculture extension offices for crop-specific advisories and fertiliser application guidelines.
