Did Stalin Request Additional 1.54 Lakh Tonnes of Fertilizers from PM Modi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- M.K. Stalin emphasizes the need for timely fertilizer supply.
- Request for an additional 1.54 lakh tonnes of fertilizers.
- Current supplies cover only 57 percent of the committed quota.
- Impact on both kharif and rabi seasons is a concern.
- Tamil Nadu's role in national food security is critical.
Chennai, Sep 16 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for urgent action to accelerate the delivery of fertilizers to the state, which is among India's top rice producers.
In his correspondence, Stalin emphasized Tamil Nadu's consistent focus on agricultural efficiency and farmer welfare, ensuring that essential inputs are available on time while implementing tailored regional initiatives.
“With the southwest monsoon arriving ahead of schedule, paddy sowing for the 2025 kharif season is already gaining traction. Current statistics indicate that paddy has been planted on 5.661 lakh hectares so far this year, reflecting a 10 percent increase compared to the 5.136 lakh hectares cultivated during the same timeframe last year. This increase in sowing, supported by substantial rainfall and sufficient water storage in key reservoirs, has resulted in a heightened demand for fertilizers across Tamil Nadu,” he stated in the letter.
The Chief Minister highlighted that despite the allocations from the central government, the supply of urea, DAP, MOP, and complex fertilizers from April to August 2025 has fallen short. Only about 57 percent of the promised quota has been delivered to Tamil Nadu, leaving farmers in a dire situation at a critical juncture of cultivation.
Stalin cautioned that such a deficit could jeopardize not only the current kharif crop but also the forthcoming rabi season. He urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to promptly allocate an additional 1.54 lakh tonnes of fertilizers to the state, which includes 27,823 metric tonnes of urea, 15,831 tonnes of DAP, 12,422 tonnes of MOP, and 98,623 tonnes of NPK complex fertilizers.
The Chief Minister stressed that the timely provision of fertilizers is crucial for maintaining crop productivity, safeguarding farmer incomes, and ensuring food security. He further asserted that Tamil Nadu's significant contribution to the nation’s rice output underscores the need to fully meet the state's fertilizer requirements.
By advocating for immediate central intervention, Stalin reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting farmers and sustaining the state's essential role in India's food grain production.