Bhubaneswar, July 20: Concerned over the reduced DAP and urea suuply this year, the Odisha Government has directed district Collectors to promote complex fertilisers instead of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and ammonium sulphate in place of urea.

The Centre plans to supply large quantities of ammonium sulphate, which contains 20.5% nitrogen and 23% sulphur, making it a viable substitute for urea while addressing sulphur deficiency in soils.

In a letter to the Collectors, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Secretary Sachin Ramachanda Yadav on July 18 said, “It is to inform that the Government of India has Planned le supply huge quantity of Ammonium Sulphate (Nitrogen 20.5% and Sulphur 23%) which can substitute Urea. Further with high Sulphur content, it can manage Sulphur deficiency, an essential plant nutrient in soil.”

The Central Government is encouraging greater use of complex fertilisers due to reduced DAP supplies this year.

“Similarly, since DAP supply is affected during this year, the Govt of India is regularly giving emphasis on use of Complex Fertilisers as substitute of DAP,” Yadav said.

The Odisha State Co-operative Marketing Federation Limited (MARKFED) has been assigned to lift 60% of all fertiliser stocks supplied to each district and prioritise complex fertilisers and ammonium sulphate.

District-level MARKFED officials have been instructed to place indents based on district-wise allocations.

“MARKFED has been assigned to lift 60% of all kinds of fertilizers in every district from each supply So MARKFED personnel at the district level may place indent for Complex Fertilsers and Ammonium Sulphate accordingly against the quantity supplied to the district,” said Yadav.

All the Chief District Agriculture Officers have been instructed for immediate implementation while the Registrar of Co-operative Societies has been asked to facilitate smooth lifting and distribution of the alternative fertilisers.