Urea use stable despite 36% rise in cropped area in A.P.

For decades, urea consumption in Andhra Pradesh followed a predictable upward curve as farmers focused on increasing yields. The underlying approach was simple: higher application was equated with better output. However, in the Rabi 2025-26 season, the State witnessed a marked shift, with urea consumption remaining largely stable despite a sharp expansion in cropped area.

While the total land under cultivation increased by 36%, the availability of urea rose by just 3%. This resulted in a significant decline in per-hectare availability, from 513 kg to 338 kg, reflecting a 34% reduction. In effect, farmers were required to manage larger cultivated areas with substantially lower quantities of fertiliser, indicating a transition towards more efficient usage.