Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to introduce 'Urea Gold' to the nation during his Rajasthan visit on Thursday. 'Urea Gold' — a new variety of Urea coated with Sulphur — is being introduced to address the Sulphur deficiency in soil and save input costs for the farmers. Additionally, Prime Minister in Sikar will also dedicate 1.25 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras to the nation. He will also release the 14th instalment amount of about Rs 17,000 crores under PM-KISAN.
What Is Urea Gold Fertilizer
'Urea Gold' or Sulphur-coated Urea aims to tackle soil deficiency and reduce input costs for farmers. Urea Gold surpasses the existing Neem-coated urea in terms of both economic viability and efficiency. By addressing the issue of Sulphur deficiency in the soil, Urea Gold promises to enhance agricultural productivity.
"The introduction of Sulphur Coated Urea will address sulphur deficiencies in the soil. This innovative fertiliser is more economical and efficient than neem-coated urea, improves nitrogen use efficiency in plants, reduces the consumption of fertiliser, and enhances crop quality," the government said in a statement on Thursday.
The Urea Gold was introduced last month by the Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers with other agriculture schemes including PM-PRANAM to promote alternate fertilizers and balanced use of fertilizers and Market Development Assistance (MDA) for promoting Organic Fertilizers from Gobardhan Plants
How Urea Gold Is Better Than Others?
Sulphur-coated urea facilitates a gradual release of nitrogen, thereby enhancing its availability and uptake by crops. The inclusion of humic acid in Urea Gold further extends its lifespan as a fertilizer. This product not only substitutes traditional urea consumption but also reduces overall fertilizer usage. According to the report, 15 kg of Urea Gold provides comparable benefits to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and effective choice for farmers, according to a report by MoneyControl.
As per the report, the Urea Gold is aimed at preventing the diversion of urea. The Centre has recently launched a nationwide crackdown to prevent the diversion of agriculture-grade urea for industrial purposes.
Will Govt Provide Subsidy For Urea Gold?
According to the MoneyControl report from June, the government is considering the formation of a high-level inter-ministerial committee to address various aspects related to Urea Gold. This committee will be responsible for making crucial decisions on pricing and subsidy criteria for the product. The aim is to ensure that Urea Gold becomes available to farmers in time for the rabi season, benefiting their winter crops.
On June 28, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a comprehensive package of innovative schemes for farmers worth Rs. 3,70,128.7 crore. As part of the package, the Urea Subsidy was fixed at a price of Rs. 242 per 45 kg bag (excluding taxes and neem coating charges). The government has allocated Rs. 3,68,676.7 crore for urea subsidy over the next three years (2022-23 to 2024-25), further supporting farmers and moderating their input costs.
Other Schemes Being Launched In Rajasthan
On Thursday morning, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various development projects in a public programme in Sikar, Rajasthan, according to a release by the Prime Minister's Office.
Modi will also dedicate 1 lakh PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) to the nation while launching Urea Gold, a new variety of Urea that is coated with Sulphur.
"PMKSKs are being developed to provide a one-stop solution for all farmers’ needs. From information on agri-inputs (fertilisers, seeds, implements) to testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers, to information regarding various government schemes, PMKSKs are envisaged to become a reliable support system for farmers in the country. They will also ensure regular capacity building of fertiliser retailers at block/district level outlets," the PMO said.
Also during his visit, the 14th instalment amount of about Rs 17,000 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), will be released through direct benefits transfer to more than 8.5 crore beneficiaries.