A.P. districts rank high in fertilizer consumption

Andhra Pradesh’s major agrarian districts are witnessing robust fertilizer consumption during the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season, with SPSR Nellore, Tirupati and Palnadu emerging as the State’s leading centres of urea use.

Looking at the top 100 consuming districts in India for the 2025 calendar year, Andhra Pradesh features prominently, particularly in DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) usage. In the national rankings for DAP consumption during January–December 2025, Nandyal district secured the first position in the country, reflecting extensive fertilizer use linked to intensive cropping patterns. Palnadu also figured among the top districts at the eighth place, while Bapatla ranked 49th. Other Andhra Pradesh districts in the national list include Anantapur at 78th, Guntur at 81st, SPSR Nellore at 91st, Eluru at 93rd and Prakasam at 98th, according to officials from the Department of Agriculture.

In terms of urea consumption, districts from Andhra Pradesh also recorded notable positions in the national top 100 list. SPSR Nellore ranked 51st in the country, while Nandyal stood at 83rd, reflecting the high fertilizer demand in these regions driven largely by paddy cultivation and other commercial crops. Officials said the presence of several districts from the State in the national fertilizer consumption rankings underscores the intensity of agricultural activity and the scale of nutrient use across Andhra Pradesh’s farming landscape.

According to official information, as of January 19, 2026, SPSR Nellore topped the State in urea sales with 69,005 metric tonnes, reflecting intensive paddy cultivation and multiple cropping patterns supported by canal and tank irrigation. Tirupati district followed with 46,948 MT, driven by fertilizer demand in paddy fields and expanding horticulture areas in command regions. Palnadu also recorded strong consumption at 47,024 MT, indicating sustained fertilizer use in paddy and commercial crops.

Other prominent agricultural districts have also reported significant fertilizer usage. Guntur registered 42,347 MT of urea sales, while Bapatla accounted for 37,465 MT. The Godavari delta districts, East Godavari and West Godavari, reported 26,233 MT and 25,746 MT respectively, underlining continued high nutrient demand in the State’s traditional rice bowl regions.

However, agricultural experts caution that excessive and imbalanced fertilizer use can have long-term consequences for both soil health and the environment. While urea remains an essential source of nitrogen for crops, its overuse gradually leads to soil degradation and declining fertility. Continuous high application reduces nutrient-use efficiency, weakens soil structure and disrupts the natural microbial activity that sustains productive farmland. Over time, crops may become more vulnerable to pest and disease incidence, forcing farmers to spend more on pesticides and other inputs.

According to Manazir Jeelani Samoon, Director of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, farmers are increasingly being encouraged to adopt balanced fertilization practices by combining nitrogen with phosphatic and potassic fertilizers, along with organic manures and soil health-based recommendations.