Bhubaneswar: In order to ensure balanced nutrient management and reduce reliance on traditional fertilizers, the Odisha Government has directed all district administrations to promote complex fertilisers as substitutes for DAP and Ammonium Sulphate as an alternative to Urea.
In an official communication, Commissioner‑cum‑Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav informed District Collectors that the Government of India will supply large quantities of Ammonium Sulphate — containing 20.5% Nitrogen and 23% Sulphur — which can effectively replace Urea while addressing sulphur deficiency in the soil.
The notification also highlights the Centre’s emphasis on using Complex Fertilisers in place of DAP, especially as DAP supply has been affected this year. The district‑level MARKFED personnel have been instructed to place indents for both fertiliser types in proportion to their district allocations.
Marked as “most urgent”, the directive has been circulated to the Chief District Agriculture Officers and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies for immediate follow‑up action.
Officials say the move aligns with the State’s broader goal of promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices, ensuring farmers have access to nutrient‑balanced alternatives amid fluctuating national supply chains.