Tamil Nadu Requests Timely Fertilizer Supplies for Upcoming Season

In a proactive step to support agricultural needs, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu has formally requested the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, J. P. Nadda, to ensure that the state receives its required fertilizers promptly. In a letter sent on March 5, 2024, Stalin outlined the state’s needs, which include 6.94 LMT of Urea, 1.93 LMT of DAP, 1.88 LMT of MOP, and 5.15 LMT of NPK Complex fertilizers.

Stalin emphasized the increasing demand for fertilizers, particularly Urea, due to favorable conditions for crop cultivation during the current Rabi season. He expressed gratitude to Nadda for previous efforts that ensured sufficient fertilizer availability during the Kharif season of 2025. As a result of these initiatives, Tamil Nadu received 4.37 LMT (99%) of Urea, 1.59 LMT (91%) of DAP, 0.70 LMT (74%) of MOP, and 3.70 LMT (81%) of NPK Complex fertilizers, which was nearly in line with the allocated amounts.

Stalin highlighted that the state government has taken significant steps to enhance paddy production, including the introduction of the “Kuruvai (Kharif) Special Package,” which has an outlay of Rs 215 crore. This package aims to support paddy cultivators and has contributed to record levels of production. The timely opening of dams for irrigation has also played a crucial role in boosting agricultural output.

With the North East Monsoon commencing on October 16, there is a renewed enthusiasm among farmers to maximize paddy cultivation during the Samba (early Rabi) season. This surge in activity is expected to result in higher fertilizer demand, particularly for Urea, in November. The Chief Minister noted that the area allocated for Samba paddy cultivation is anticipated to expand, and farmers are also actively growing other crops such as Maize, Blackgram, Greengram, Groundnut, and Sugarcane across the state.

Currently, the Union Department of Fertilizers has allocated 6.50 LMT of Urea, 1.50 LMT of DAP, 1.80 LMT of MOP, and 5.14 LMT of NPK Complex fertilizers. This allocation falls short of the state’s total requirements, highlighting the urgency of Stalin’s request to ensure that the needs of Tamil Nadu’s farmers are adequately addressed moving forward.

The Chief Minister’s appeal underscores the critical importance of timely fertilizer supplies for sustaining agricultural productivity and supporting farmers during this vital growing period.