Context

• Despite expert advice to reduce urea usage, many farmers continue to depend heavily on it due to visible crop benefits.

Impact of Floods on Crops

• Flooding has increased in recent years.
• Crops like cotton, bananas, and chillies suffer severely.
• Post-flood damage: yellowing leaves, wilting, and stress.
• Use of urea revives crops: within a week, plants grow green and healthy again.
  • Quote: “It’s like a miracle,” says Sharanabasappa Mamsetti (Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha).

Nano Urea: New but Underused

• Promoted as a more efficient alternative.
• Many farmers are not convinced about its efficacy.
• Vital Beegar, UAS Dharwad: Nano urea still not effective enough in field conditions.

Expert Opinion

• Raju Tegelli (Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalaburagi) and UAS Raichur:
  • Farmers are reluctant to change old habits.
  • Awareness efforts on balanced nutrient management are ongoing.

Alternative Methods

• Some farmers have reduced or eliminated urea use:
  • Prakash and Anuradha Kulkarni, organic farmers from Honnilihal (Belagavi):
    • No urea used for over 14 years.
    • Prepare their own organic inputs.
    • Results: Reduced costs, increased profits, and independence from market/govt.