Agriculture ยท GS3
National Investment Policy for Urea 2026
One line
The Cabinet approved the National Investment Policy for Urea 2026 to support domestic capacity and reduce supply vulnerability.
Summary
Urea is central to Indian agriculture but excessive and imbalanced use harms soil and water while increasing fiscal and import pressure. Capacity policy must be combined with nutrient-use efficiency.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often links urea policy with subsidy reform, nutrient imbalance, gas imports, and sustainable agriculture.
Core notes
- Urea is a nitrogenous fertiliser.
- Investment policy can improve domestic availability and provide long-term signals to producers.
- Feedstock cost, energy efficiency, gas supply, and subsidy design affect viability.
- Greater production does not remove the need for balanced NPK use and soil-health advice.
Prelims lens
- Urea supplies nitrogen, not phosphorus or potassium.
- Natural gas is an important feedstock for ammonia and urea production.
- Domestic production and fertiliser-use efficiency are separate policy goals.
MCQ 1
Urea is primarily a source of:
- A. Nitrogen
- B. Potassium
- C. Phosphorus
- D. Zinc only
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Urea is a concentrated nitrogen fertiliser.
MCQ 2
Which input is important in conventional urea production?
- A. Natural gas
- B. Bauxite only
- C. Uranium ore
- D. Silica sand only
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Natural gas commonly supplies feedstock and energy for ammonia production.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: How can India pursue fertiliser self-reliance without worsening nutrient imbalance?
Approach:
- Explain urea's role and import exposure.
- Discuss capacity, feedstock, and subsidy issues.
- Identify soil and environmental costs.
- Suggest precision application and balanced nutrition.