Centre allows urea imports by state-owned fertiliser companies until March 2025 [Video]

The Centre has allowed the import of urea through India Potash Ltd (IPL), Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), and National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) for another year untill March 31, 2025, according to a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade today.

“Import of urea (for agriculture purpose) on government account shall be allowed either by designated STEs (state trading enterprises) itself, or through any entity/entities (fertilizer marketing entities) so authorised by the Department of Fertilizers from time to time, for filing BEs at India ports,” the government said.

India is a major importer of urea and imports comprise around 30% of India’s total domestic consumption of urea.

The Union Cabinet in late February had approved a proposal by the Department of Fertilisers to include three new fertiliser grades under the nutrient-based subsidy scheme for the upcoming Kharif season.

The Cabinet also approved the revision in nutrient-based subsidy ratesfor various nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur—for 2024 (April–September) Kharif …