Cheluvarayaswamy Urges Farmers to Look for Green Alternatives, Reduce Dependency on Urea

Says green manure, soil testing can significantly reduce input costs, improve soil health

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @Mysuru

AGRICULTURE Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Friday said the state is making consistent efforts to reduce urea dependency among farmers by sensitising them and promoting sustainable alternatives such as green manure.

Addressing media persons after a review meeting with officials of the Mysuru Division, he highlighted concerns raised during recent Cabinet discussions and university research reports.

"As per the guidance of the Central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made an announcement that there is a national push to reduce urea dependency. Anticipating a shortage in supply of urea in the coming days, we have already started to sensitise people and farmers to reduce urea dependency and we are seeing positive results already, with more than 50% control in areas like Mangaluru and Udupi," he said.

This year, the total demand for urea stood at 11.17 lakh metric tonnes. As of now, the state has a stock of 2.55 lakh metric tonne. "The challenge lies in availability," he said.