Hyderabad: Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) vice-chancellor Professor Janaiah said that even if urea supplies decline due to the impact of the Gulf War, agriculture would not be significantly affected, as farmers have several alternatives to urea. He advised farmers not to worry about potential shortages and urged them not to believe the misinformation being circulated by certain individuals on the issue.He explained that if urea is unavailable in the quantities expected by farmers, nano urea is already available in sufficient quantities in the market, at prices similar to conventional urea. Since nano urea provides the necessary nitrogen to plants, it delivers results similar to those achieved with traditional urea.Additionally, he said that bio-fertilisers certified by the Union govt are now available and can serve as effective alternatives to urea. He encouraged farmers to procure green manure seeds and sow them in their fields with the onset of monsoon. If these crops are integrated into the soil within 40 days of sowing, the organic carbon content will increase, thereby improving soil health.He also 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.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.
