No proposal to raise urea prices, says Centre; smaller bags aimed at curbing overuse
A farmer throws urea fertilizer in a paddy field in Colombo on November 23, 2022. (Photo by Pradeep Dambarage/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The government has clarified that there is no proposal to increase the price of urea, stating that the recent reduction in bag size is aimed at promoting balanced fertiliser use and improving soil health.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel said the decision to reduce urea bag size—from 50 kg to 45 kg, and in some cases to 40 kg—has been taken as a policy measure to curb excessive usage and encourage efficient application by farmers.
The government maintained that the move does not impose any additional financial burden on farmers.
At present, the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of a 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea is ₹242 per bag, excluding neem coating charges and applicable taxes. Similarly, sulphur-coated urea is priced at ₹254 per 40 kg bag, excluding central and state levies, including GST.
The Centre said the measure is part of its broader efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ensure judicious use of fertilisers across the country.
