Madhya Pradesh bans sale of non-subsidised fertilisers by urea makers

NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh has barred major urea manufacturers from selling non-subsidised fertilisers in the state, following a similar move by Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns over agricultural output at a time when India faces below-normal rainfall and fertiliser supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis.

The move is aimed at preventing the tagging of subsidised fertilisers with non-subsidised products such as bio-stimulants, liquid speciality fertilisers and water-soluble fertilisers.

Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are among the country's largest agricultural producers. Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest producer of foodgrains and the top producer of pulses and oilseeds, while Uttar Pradesh accounts for around 20% of India's agricultural output.