Proposal to increase urea's maximum retail price rejected

08-Jan-2026 11:17 AM

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Fertilizers has rejected the proposal to increase the maximum retail price (MRP) of urea. A total of 15 proposals were discussed at a brainstorming session held on January 3, 2026. It is understood that the session also included detailed discussions on including some other products in the list of subsidized fertilizers and granting permission to sell these products at prices higher than the fixed selling price. The issue of increasing the price of these nutrients for crops was raised but did not receive approval.

The Union Fertilizer Minister considered both these proposals to be justified. He stated that urea is the most widely used chemical fertilizer, and it is also used by small and marginal farmers.

If its price is increased, it will further increase the difficulties faced by these farmers. He suggested that the officials of the Ministry of Fertilizers and the fertilizer industry work together in this direction.

Other major issues discussed at this one-day brainstorming session included the transportation subsidy policy, soil health, alternative fertilizers (nano-fertilizers, new-age fertilizers), achieving self-reliance in the fertilizer sector, ensuring greater access to fertilizers for farmers, and creating awareness among farmers through various means.

With the sowing of Rabi crops almost complete, the focus of the central and state governments has now shifted to ensuring adequate supply and availability of fertilizers during the upcoming Kharif season.

Sowing of Kharif crops begins in June and continues until September. A large quantity of urea is being imported into the country.