Overview A severe shortage of fertilizers, including urea , potash , and phosphate , has triggered a crisis in Kuttanad and other parts of Alappuzha district in Kerala . This shortage is particularly critical as the puncha crop season , which accounts for the largest acreage of paddy cultivation in the district, is currently underway. The scarcity affects not only paddy but also other essential crops in the region. Key Issues Fertilizer Shortage: Acute shortage of essential fertilizers like urea, potash, and phosphate. Affected Region: Kuttanad and Alappuzha district, Kerala. Critical Season: Puncha crop season, the largest paddy cultivation period. Impact on Crops: Affects paddy and other crops requiring these fertilizers. Impact on Agriculture The timing of the fertilizer application is crucial for paddy crops. Urea application is required between 18 and 22 days after planting. Many farmers are struggling to procure adequate quantities, raising concerns about reduced productivity and significant financial losses. Farmer Concerns Timely Application: Paddy crops require urea application 18-22 days after planting. Procurement Difficulties: Farmers are unable to obtain sufficient fertilizers. Productivity Concerns: Shortage may lead to decreased agricultural productivity. Financial Losses: Farmers face potential significant financial losses. Economic Implications The shortage has forced many padasekhara samithis and farmers to consider skipping cultivation during the puncha season . This could severely affect agricultural productivity and push farmers into a deep economic crisis. The cost of fertilizers has also increased, with urea costing ₹300 for a 45-kg sack and potash increasing to ₹1,800 from ₹1,500 per bag. Economic Factors Cultivation Skipping: Some farmers may skip cultivation due to the shortage. Productivity Decline: Agricultural productivity could be severely affected. Price Increase: Urea and potash prices have increased significantly. Urea Cost: ₹300 for a 45-kg sack. Potash Cost: Increased from ₹1,500 to ₹1,800 per bag. Government Response and Supply Issues According to sources, the Union government was to supply Kerala around 43,000 tonnes of urea between October and December , but the State has received only about 20,000 tonnes so far. The State government and farmers believe that the Centre’s push to promote nano fertilizers has contributed to the shortage. Supply Chain Analysis Allocated Urea: 43,000 tonnes between October and December. Received Urea: Only 20,000 tonnes received by Kerala. Nano Fertilizer Promotion: Centre’s push for nano fertilizers may contribute to the shortage. Parliamentary Intervention Kodikunnil Suresh, MP , raised the issue of the acute shortage of urea and potash in Kerala in the Lok Sabha . He highlighted that the scarcity was seriously affecting agriculture in the State, disrupting major crops, including paddy , coconut , arecanut , rubber , cocoa , cardamom , and pineapple . Parliamentary Concerns Issue Raised: Shortage of urea and potash raised in Lok Sabha. Affected Crops: Paddy, coconut, arecanut, rubber, cocoa, cardamom, and pineapple. Alternative Fertilizers and Cost Implications In the pineapple sector alone, the annual requirement is 22,500 tonnes of urea and 15,000 tonnes of potash . The prevailing shortage is forcing farmers to shift to costlier alternative and complex fertilizers, leading to a sharp rise in production costs and causing nutrient imbalance in agriculture. Cost Analysis Pineapple Sector Needs: 22,500 tonnes of urea and 15,000 tonnes of potash annually. Costlier Alternatives: Farmers are shifting to expensive fertilizers. Production Costs: Sharp rise in production costs. Nutrient Imbalance: Potential nutrient imbalance in agriculture. Call for Action Mr. Suresh criticized the Centre for failing to ensure timely supply despite repeated requests from the State government. He urged the Union government to act with urgency and ensure the immediate supply of the required quantities of urea and potash to Kerala , given the serious situation threatening farmers’ livelihoods. Demands and Appeals Criticism: Centre criticized for failing to ensure timely supply. Urgent Action: Call for immediate supply of urea and potash. Threat to Livelihoods: Serious situation threatening farmers’ livelihoods.