BENGALURU: Amid concerns over geopolitical tensions in West Asia affecting the supply of raw materials, the state agriculture department has taken steps to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers for the 2026 kharif season. Under the supervision of Agriculture Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy, the department has put in place measures to prevent shortages and curb the misuse of subsidised fertilisers.
The Centre has allocated 30.05 lakh tonnes of fertilisers to Karnataka, of which 11.42 lakh tonnes are already in stock as of April 1. Additionally, 28,224 tonnes are maintained as buffer stock, with instructions to keep at least 25 per cent reserve of urea and DAP.
Storage capacity has been strengthened through the Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation and Karnataka State Seeds Corporation. Fertiliser allocation has been planned district-wise based on past consumption, with further micro-level planning at the taluk and hobli levels.
To regulate urea distribution, the government has introduced a urea distribution app linked to the FRUITS database.
The app, currently being piloted in eight districts, will be expanded across the state before the monsoon.
Authorities have also formed special committees at the state and district levels to prevent diversion of subsidised fertilisers. Strict action will be taken under the Fertiliser Control Order and Essential Commodities Act against violations.
Border checkposts are being closely monitored to stop smuggling of urea.
The department is promoting balanced fertiliser use and also organic and bio-fertilisers under the Vasudhamrita scheme. Officials said these steps are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fertiliser supply and protecting farmers during the upcoming kharif season despite global uncertainties.