DELHI: The government has revealed that Jammu and Kashmir is gradually transitioning toward more balanced fertilizer usage. The data, spanning four financial years from 2014–15 to 2017–18, was shared in a written response tabled in the Lok Sabha to a question raised by Daggumalla Prasada Rao and Kesineni Sivanath. It illustrates a stable yet evolving pattern in the Union Territory’s fertilizer consumption, marked by improved nutrient management and increasing awareness among farmers.
According to the official reply, urea continued to dominate fertilizer usage in J&K during this period but showed a decline in overall share, from 72 per cent of total fertilizer consumption in 2014–15 to 65 per cent in 2017–18. This decline signals a move away from excessive dependence on nitrogen-based fertilizers and a growing inclination toward more balanced nutrient use.
Urea consumption in J&K rose from 1.16 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in 2014–15 to a peak of 1.55 LMT in 2015–16, dropped to 1.29 LMT in 2016–17, and recovered to 1.51 LMT in 2017–18. The average annual consumption over these four years stood at approximately 1.38 LMT.
Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) usage remained relatively stable, starting at 0.64 LMT in 2014–15 and reaching 0.65 LMT by 2017–18. With slight annual fluctuations, the average DAP consumption over four years was 0.64 LMT.
Muriate of Potash (MOP), meanwhile, saw more dramatic changes. Consumption began at 0.25 LMT in 2014–15, dipped to 0.11 LMT in 2015–16, but rebounded strongly to 0.38 LMT by 2017–18. The four-year average for MOP stood at 0.26 LMT, reflecting an overall rise in farmer interest in potassium-based fertilization.
Combined, the average total fertilizer consumption (urea, DAP, and MOP) in Jammu and Kashmir across the four years came to 2.27 LMT annually.
Although NPKS complex fertilizers remained a minor component of the fertilizer basket, ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 LMT per year, their consistent presence suggests a gradual adoption of micronutrient-balanced blends.
The data shows that while urea dominated initially, its share in overall consumption declined steadily. Simultaneously, the combined use of DAP, MOP, and NPKS fertilizers rose by 52 per cent over four years. This shift aligns with the Union government’s soil health initiatives that promote balanced nutrient application and encourage farmers to address deficiencies in phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.
Officials noted that Jammu and Kashmir consistently maintained a surplus in fertilizer availability during the period under review. Urea supply exceeded demand by 10 to 15 per cent annually, while availability of DAP and MOP met between 95 to 100 per cent of requirements, even during the critical sowing seasons.
J&K, although not among India’s top ten fertilizer-consuming states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, ranked between 15th and 18th nationally in terms of urea consumption during this period. For DAP, it ranked between 12th and 14th, outperforming several northeastern and hill states. MOP usage, though still modest, reflected a promising upward trend, particularly in 2017–18.
While company-wise sales data was not disclosed in the government’s reply, the findings point to a need for further expansion in the use of NPKS fertilizers, especially in addressing the micronutrient deficiencies highlighted in the response.
The government stated that the overall trajectory in J&K reflects a shift toward sustainable agricultural practices, driven by improved supply logistics, proactive awareness campaigns, and a more informed farming community. The steady movement toward balanced fertilization offers potential for long-term gains in soil health and crop productivity in the region. Meanwhile, to encourage the use of nano fertilizers such as nano urea and nano DAP among farmers, particularly in rural areas, the Government of India has rolled out a multi-pronged campaign involving policy directives, demonstrations, and awareness initiatives. In a major push during the Zonal Conference for the Kharif 2024 season, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) urged state governments to promote nano fertilizers through their extension machinery.
Further, nano fertilizers have been integrated into national agricultural demonstration schemes like NFSM and NMEO, with state agricultural universities and ICAR institutes asked to treat these as critical inputs. Their promotion is being actively carried out through awareness camps, nukkad nataks, webinars, Kisan Sammelans, and regional films. Availability has also been strengthened, with nano urea and nano DAP now stocked at Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) and included in monthly supply plans.
The use of innovative application methods, such as Kisan Drones and battery-operated sprayers, is being expanded through pilot training and custom hiring services managed by village-level entrepreneurs. Campaigns like the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and a dedicated ‘Maha Abhiyan’ for the adoption of nano DAP across all agro-climatic zones have intensified outreach.
Field trials by ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and state universities have covered over 20 crops across 15 agro-climatic zones. Results suggest that nano urea, when used with recommended practices, can reduce fertilizer nitrogen use by 8–12 per cent without adverse effects on crop yield or soil health. In some cases, it even improved nutritional quality, as seen in increased protein content in fodder maize and reduced cyanogen levels in cassava.
To scientifically assess its long-term benefits, ICAR is running a project from 2024 to 2026 to evaluate the impact of nano fertilizers on crop growth and soil health. In parallel, a study has been launched through a memorandum of understanding between the National Productivity Council and the Department of Fertilizers to compare the efficacy of nano urea with conventional urea.
