Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday announced that farmers who reduce urea consumption will receive an incentive of ₹800 per bag as part of a state government initiative to promote balanced fertilizer use.
Addressing the Collectors’ Conference at Amaravati on Monday, he directed officials to distribute the subsidy under the PM Pranam scheme directly to farmers, in order to encourage them to cut down the use of urea.. He maintained that there was no shortage of urea but called for proper planning to supply it to the farmers.
The move comes in the wake of a severe shortage of urea during the current kharif season, which has disrupted cultivation across several districts. The state government said the measure aims to encourage farmers to shift away from excessive reliance on urea and adopt more sustainable nutrient management practices.
Naidu noted that while urea has long been a key input in crop cultivation, its overuse has adversely affected soil health and productivity. “This initiative is not just about addressing the shortage but also about guiding our farmers towards more scientific and balanced fertilizer use,” he said.
Referring to China’s rejection of Indian chilli consignments due to chemical residues and Punjab’s high cancer incidence, he warned that Andhra Pradesh, currently fifth in cancer cases, faces similar risks. He asked for immediate awareness campaigns to inform farmers on the dangers of excessive fertilizers and pesticides.
The incentive scheme is expected to provide immediate relief to farmers grappling with input shortages, while also nudging them toward alternatives like complex fertilizers, biofertilizers, and organic manures. Officials said detailed guidelines on eligibility, distribution, and monitoring mechanisms will be issued soon.
Agricultural experts have welcomed the decision, calling it a “timely step” to reduce dependency on urea and promote integrated nutrient management. However, they also cautioned that the government must ensure adequate supply of alternative fertilizers and strengthen extension services to help farmers transition smoothly.