Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 26: After a gap of nearly five years, the supply of Chemical fertilizers to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has resumed to meet the long-standing demand of farmers and support agricultural activities across the Islands. The current procurement has been aligned with Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) principles, with emphasis on balanced fertilizer application, soil health improvement and sustainable crop productivity. The focus remains on ensuring that fertilizers are used judiciously and in accordance with soil-based recommendations.
Under the able guidance of the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Agri.), A & N Administration, the Department of Agriculture has brought the first consignment, comprising 225 MT of Neem Coated Urea and 375 MT of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). The consignment has reached Sri Vijaya Puram and is expected to reach all the sub depots of the remotest Islands except those under Large Area Certification of Organic Farming. The distribution of chemical fertilizers to farmers is expected to commence by the 1st week of January 2026 from respective Sub-Depots.
Given the geographical challenges of the Island territory, special arrangements have been made to ensure smooth transportation from the mainland and onward movement to interior and remote areas, so that supplies reach farmers without delay. A readiness meeting in this regard with all zonal officers has been held on 17.12.2025 to ensure smooth distribution of the same. Necessary technical measures, including replacement of PoS devices and up-dation of user credentials in coordination with the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, have been completed, enabling smooth procurement and distribution of chemical fertilizers.
Fertilizers will be made available to bonafide farmers through authorized departmental sub-depots using Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices, with a 20% Cost subsidy and 100% Transport subsidy. Farmers are advised to purchase fertilizers only from authorized outlets and to apply them strictly as per recommended doses and soil health advisories. The resumption of fertilizer supply is expected to provide timely input support for the ongoing and upcoming cropping seasons, contributing to improved farm productivity and strengthened agricultural livelihoods across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.