Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), June 13 : A steep rise in the prices of key chemical fertilisers and pesticides over the past few weeks has sparked concern among farmers across Tamil Nadu, with cultivators warning that the increased input costs could severely impact agricultural operations ahead of the crucial Aadi Pattam and Kuruvai cropping seasons.

According to farmer organisations, the prices of several commonly used fertilisers have witnessed substantial increases between late May and June.

A bag of potash now costs Rs 2,200 compared to Rs 1,800 earlier, while super phosphate's price has risen from Rs 600 to Rs 800. The price of complex fertilisers such as factomfos has jumped from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100, and ammonium sulphate has increased from Rs 950 to Rs 1,400.

The surge in fertiliser prices comes at a critical time when farmers in the Cauvery delta and other agricultural regions are preparing for seasonal sowing operations.

Farmer representatives fear that the additional burden could push many small and marginal cultivators into debt.

K. Balakrishnan, Secretary of the agricultural wing of Kausika Neerkarangal, said changes in the fertiliser subsidy mechanism have left farmers increasingly vulnerable to fluctuations in international markets. He noted that until a few years ago, the Union government maintained Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) for most fertilisers and absorbed global price increases through subsidies to manufacturers.

"Farmers were largely insulated from international price volatility under the earlier system. Now, only urea and DAP continue to receive extensive price support, while subsidies for several other fertilisers are fixed. As a result, any increase in global prices is directly reflected in retail prices paid by farmers," he said.

Farmer organisations have urged the Centre to restore stronger subsidy support and stabilise fertiliser prices. They have also called on the Tamil Nadu government to increase Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for agricultural produce and promote farming practices that reduce dependence on chemical inputs.

In addition, agricultural groups have sought greater emphasis on sustainable farming methods. They have recommended training programmes to help farmers produce low-cost organic inputs on their own farms and called for agricultural extension officers to be trained by institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

Agriculture Department officials acknowledged the increase in fertiliser prices, attributing it largely to prevailing global market conditions. While direct price regulation remains difficult, officials said awareness campaigns under the â??Khet Bachao Abhiyanâ?? launched on June 1 are encouraging farmers to adopt organic alternatives and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.

With sowing activities set to gather pace in the coming weeks, farmers say timely intervention is essential to prevent rising cultivation costs from affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

/IANS