Kathmandu, August 15, 2025 - As fertilizer prices and environmental concerns rise, agricultural experts in Nepal are urging a shift toward cost-effective and eco-friendly alternatives to urea. Options such as ammonium sulfate, nano urea, azolla, and dhaincha are showing promise in boosting yields while protecting soil health.
Ammonium Sulfate: Dual Benefits
Containing 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur, ammonium sulfate provides balanced nutrition, especially for paddy and sulfur-deficient soils. Widely available through Salt Trading Ltd., it remains a dependable option for farmers seeking consistent results.
Nano Urea: Lower Cost, Higher Efficiency
This liquid form of urea requires just 3 ml per liter of water, sprayed at the tillering and panicle stages of paddy. Studies have found it effective and cheaper than granular urea. Already registered in Nepal, nano urea is gaining ground as a precision farming tool.
Azolla: A Living Bio-Fertilizer
Azolla, a small aquatic plant, fixes atmospheric nitrogen naturally. In paddy fields, it can contribute up to 144 grams of nitrogen per kattha per day. If water is retained for around 50 days, azolla can meet the entire nitrogen requirement of the crop-eliminating the need for synthetic urea.
Dhaincha: Green Manure for Healthier Soils
Grown for at least 45 days before rice planting and then ploughed into the soil, dhaincha can reduce chemical fertilizer use by up to 50% while improving soil organic matter and structure.
Raising Farmer Awareness
Agricultural cooperatives, which currently focus on selling chemical fertilizers, are being called upon to also promote these sustainable options. Experts believe that informed choices can cut costs for farmers, improve long-term productivity, and reduce environmental harm.
As Nepal faces mounting challenges in agriculture-from rising input costs to soil degradation-such alternatives offer a viable path toward sustainable and resilient farming.
