25,000 tonnes of fertilizers in stock, no urea shortage in Mandya: DC

Mandya Deputy Commissioner Kumar on Monday said the district has over 25,000 tonnes of fertilizer in stock, and that there is no shortage. He urged farmers to go ahead with agricultural activities without concern on the availability of fertilizer.

Presiding over a meeting organised by the Agriculture Department in Mandya, he said 5,700 tonnes of urea are currently available in the district.

Paddy transplantation is already under way in Mandya, Srirangapatna, and Nagamangala taluks, and will soon begin across the district. In view of this, the Deputy Commissioner told the officials to create awareness among farmers on using NPK complex fertilizers instead of urea during transplantation.

He highlighted that excessive use of urea during transplantation affects crop quality and advised farmers to opt for complex fertilizers, green manure, and organic manure instead.

The Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to hold hobli-level meetings with fertilizer dealers, ensure societies display the quantity and price of available stocks, and educate farmers that excessive use of urea affects crop quality. The stock details entered in the POS online system should match the physical stock, and officials should carry out regular inspections to prevent any artificial shortage, he told the meeting.

Dr. Kumar warned of strict legal action, including cancellation of licences, against violators in case of unauthorised sale or charging above the fixed price.

Teams have been formed to monitor fertilizer stocks and outlets, with instructions to regularly inspect godowns and sales points in each taluk, he added.

Joint Director of Agriculture Ashok said farmers in the district are currently using more urea than necessary. This impacts crop quality, and recommended switching to complex fertilizers. The district requires over 6,000 tonnes of seeds for sowing, and sufficient stock is already available, he added.

Joint Director of Industries Dinesh, Deputy Director of Horticulture Roopashree, Deputy Director of Agriculture Mune Gowda, and other officials attended the meeting.