Introduction of Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold)

Context: As part of initiatives for the promotion of alternate fertilizers, the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the new fortified Urea combination – Sulphur Coated Urea (SCU) also called Urea Gold.

About Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold)

• It is a non-organic slow-release fertilizer.
• It is generally prepared by coating preheated urea granules with molten sulfur. 
• A coating forms a membrane that regulates nitrogen availability for plant growth. 

Feature of Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold)

• Urea coated with sulphur helps slow the release of nitrogen, increasing its availability and uptake. 
• Urea Gold has added humic acid to enhance the longevity of the fertiliser. 
• It will substitute urea consumption and also reduce fertilizer use.
  • It is said that 15 kg of Urea Gold is comparable to 20 kg of conventional urea.

How is Sulphur Coated Urea Different from Other Urea?

• Normal urea contains 46% of a single plant nutrient: Nitrogen or N. 
• Urea Gold has 37% N plus 17% sulphur or S.

Benefits Of Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold)

• As per the study conducted by ICAR, the use of sulfur-coated Urea (SCU) leads to a reduction in urea consumption by 25%.
• This will help address a deficiency of Sulphur content in the soil.
• The decision to price Urea Gold on par with Neem Coated Urea demonstrates a concerted effort to encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly fertilizers without imposing an additional financial burden on farmers.
• • Both are priced competitively at Rs. 266.50 (inclusive of GST).

Must Read: Efficacy Of Liquid Nano Urea

News Source: PIB