Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Kerala Farmers Face Urea, Potash Shortage Ahead of Monsoon
Farmers in Kerala are worried because they don't have enough urea and potash, which are important fertilisers for their crops.
These fertilisers are needed during a special time when the rains come from the northeast.
Without them, the crops might not grow as much, and the farmers could lose money.
Kerala has a lot of farmland, and many different crops grow there, like rice, coconut, and pineapple.
The farmers and the agriculture minister are asking the government to help by making sure these fertilisers are available and not too expensive.
Using the wrong fertilisers can also hurt the environment and cost more money.
Some farmers are not using the right amount of fertilisers because they don't have the right information or tests.
Kerala farmers are facing a shortage of urea and potash, essential fertilisers for the final nutrient application during the Northeast monsoon.
The shortage could lead to a significant reduction in crop yield, affecting farmers' incomes and rural livelihoods.
Kerala has 25.23 lakh hectares under cultivation, growing various crops including paddy, coconut, and pineapple.
The Pineapple Farmers Association has sought immediate intervention from the Union Agriculture Minister to ensure timely supply of urea and potash.
Experts warn that the shortage could increase cultivation costs and ecological damage due to the use of complex fertilisers.
- Who
- Kerala farmers, including the Pineapple Farmers Association and Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad
- What
- Shortage of urea and potash fertilisers affecting nutrient application during the Northeast monsoon
- When
- December 8, 2025
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To ensure timely nutrient application and prevent yield reduction, as well as to address the impact on farmers' incomes and rural livelihoods
- Total Cultivated Area in Kerala
- 25.23 lakh hectares
- Pineapple Cultivation Area
- 30,000 hectares
- Annual Urea Requirement for Pineapple
- 22,500 tonne
- Annual Potash Requirement for Pineapple
- 15,000 tonne
- Total Fertiliser Nutrient Consumption in Kerala
- Over 2 lakh tonne
- Nitrogen Consumption Percentage
- 44%
- CAGR of Nitrogen Use
- 0.88%
- Percentage of Paddy Farmers Following Soil-Test-Based Recommendations
- 10%