With Kharif crops now sown across all regions, the focus shifts to fertilization. In September, the demand, supply, and availability of fertilizers play a crucial role in ensuring healthy crop growth. Rajasthan's Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Horticulture, Vaibhav Galaria, held a review meeting on fertilizers at Pant Krishi Bhavan. In this meeting, the Principal Secretary advised farmers to use Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and urea as a substitute for Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP).
Single Super Phosphate is a highly economical and sustainable fertilizer containing around 16% phosphorus and 11% sulfur. According to agricultural experts, sulfur is especially beneficial for pulse and oilseed crops. Not only does sulfur increase oil content in oilseeds, but it also boosts protein levels in pulses.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture directed that the allocation of DAP, urea, NPK, and SSP fertilizers for September, as provided by the central government, should be distributed efficiently. He also encouraged promoting SSP and NPK as alternatives to DAP. Agriculture Commissioner Kanhaiya Lal Swami emphasized the need to spread awareness about the benefits of Nano Urea, Nano DAP, and SSP, urging farmers to adopt these fertilizers for better yields and improved crop quality.
According to a report by the Ministry of Fertilizers, India produces 50% of its phosphate fertilizers. However, potash, phosphorus, and nitrogen are primarily imported. DAP, both in finished and raw material form, is imported from foreign countries. With the onset of the farming season, the demand for DAP rises among farmers. Crops require around 17 different nutrients, with the primary ones being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Secondary nutrients include sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, while tertiary nutrients consist of zinc, iron, boron, and others. To address the shortage of DAP, the Department of Agriculture and experts have recommended Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and NPK as effective alternatives.
Increasing Fertilizer Efficiency with NPK and SSP: For NPK 12:32:16, which contains 12% nitrogen, 32% phosphorus, and 16% potash, farmers need around 1.5 bags per acre. For SSP 16:11:8, which contains 16% phosphorus, 11% sulfur, and 8% calcium, 3 bags per acre are required. Farmers are being encouraged to shift from DAP to NPK and SSP for improved efficiency and higher yields.
