The shortage of urea and other chemical fertilisers has hit pineapple farmers in the State even as they have overcome fears of a possible drought-like condition as the price of the fruit remains comparatively good.
A veteran pineapple farmer in Thodupuzha said fertilisers were being rationed, and farmers got only between 45 and 50 sacs of urea and other subsidised fertilisers per month, which was not sufficient. These subsidised fertilisers are sold subject to using EPOS machines where sellers are required to enlist the Aadhaar numbers and other identification documents of farmers taking delivery of supplies.
However, the requirement of urea alone is around 400 kg per acre a year in a pineapple farm. Farmers use urea at least three to four times a year, said the farmer, pointing out that this included foliar application.
