Professor Janaiah, Vice-Chancellor of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), has stated that even if urea supplies are affected by the Gulf War, agriculture in the region will not face significant disruption. He emphasized that farmers have multiple alternatives to urea and urged them not to panic over potential shortages. He also cautioned against believing misinformation spread by certain individuals on the issue.
Alternatives to Urea
According to Professor Janaiah, if urea is not available in the quantities expected by farmers, nano urea is already present in sufficient quantities in the market at prices comparable to conventional urea. Nano urea provides the necessary nitrogen to plants and delivers results similar to those achieved with traditional urea. Additionally, bio-fertilisers certified by the Union government are now available and can serve as effective substitutes for urea.
Green Manure and Soil Health
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged farmers to procure green manure seeds and sow them in their fields with the onset of the monsoon. If these crops are integrated into the soil within 40 days of sowing, the organic carbon content will increase, thereby improving soil health.
Impact of El Niño
Professor Janaiah noted that due to the El Niño effect developing over the Pacific Ocean, there is a possibility of slightly reduced rainfall this year. Therefore, he advised farmers using borewells, wells, and tanks for irrigation to consider growing pulses, oilseed crops, and other dryland crops instead of paddy, as these crops require comparatively less urea.
Opportunity for Crop Diversification
He encouraged farmers to adopt alternative methods to reduce their dependence on urea and to view the current situation as an opportunity for crop diversification. Such practices, he added, would not only enhance public health but also increase farmers’ incomes.
This advice comes as a proactive measure to ensure agricultural stability despite global uncertainties.
