Itanagar, Apr 2: In a major relief for the farming community of Arunachal Pradesh, the Union Government has approved the state’s full urea requirement of 950 metric tonnes (MT) for April 2026, reversing an earlier limited allocation that had raised concerns among cultivators.
The decision followed a strong intervention by state Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu during a high-level Agriculture Ministers’ Conference held on April 1, chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Earlier, the state had been allotted only 100 MT through Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) against its projected requirement of 950 MT, which also included a carried-over demand of 700 MT from March due to previous supply shortfalls.
Raising the issue at the conference, Wangsu highlighted that despite being one of the lowest fertilizer-consuming states, Arunachal Pradesh has consistently faced shortages. He also pointed out that no allocation had been made through Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), further widening the supply gap.
Emphasising the urgency, Minister Wangsu noted the growing demand driven by expanding oil palm and tea cultivation in the state. He warned that any disruption in fertilizer supply could adversely impact plantation schedules and farmers’ livelihoods during the crucial cropping season.
Responding promptly, the Centre revised the allocation within an hour of the discussion, approving the full requirement of 950 MT.
Expressing gratitude, Wangsu thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the swift response, stating that the enhanced allocation would ensure uninterrupted fertilizer availability and protect farmers’ interests.
He also said the decision reflects the Centre’s commitment to addressing the agricultural needs of the Northeast and expressed hope for continued support in strengthening the sector.
Officials informed that necessary arrangements are being made to ensure smooth distribution of urea across the state ahead of the peak cropping period.