Plants need nutrients to grow. Agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilisers to provide these nutrients. But what if we tell you we can use pee instead?

Yes, urine might be the solution to all our problems. Before we talk about how it can help let's see why a shift from chemical fertilisers is necessary.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for plants and hence agriculture.

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For almost a century we have relied on synthetic nitrogen to help boost agricultural production, successfully we might add.

However, synthetic nutrients like nitrogen harm the environment. When used in large quantities, these chemicals seep into waterways, ponds and rivers, giving rise to algae and essentially choking the aquatic life.&nbsp;

Chemical fertilisers also contribute to climate change by creating greenhouse gas emissions.

The nutrients that plants need; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are present in human pee. As per Engineer Fabien Esculier, OCAPI research programme, we ingest these via food and excrete them through pee.

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But a major challenge is to overcome public squeamishness over the use of human excrement for fertilising the food we eat.

As per AFP, a study on this subject found that different nations reacted differently. While China, France, and Uganda were more open to the idea, Portugal and Uganda were hesitant.

If urine is to be used, huge quantities of it would be needed and processed.&nbsp;

Earlier urban excrement along with animal manure was transported to fields before being replaced by chemical fertilisers.&nbsp;

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Separating urine at the source would be necessary and as Tove Larsen, a researcher at Switzerland's Eawag aquatic research institute put it; unsightly and impractical, plus the smell will be an issue.&nbsp;

Swiss company Laufen and Eawag are developing a new model to solve this problem.

With the prices of synthetic fertilisers currently soaring because of shortages caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pee may be the viable and eco-friendly solution to farming we need.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

Plants need nutrients to grow. Agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilisers to provide these nutrients. But what if we tell you we can use pee instead? Yes, urine might be the solution to all our problems.

Plants need nutrients to grow. Agriculture relies heavily on chemical fertilisers to provide these nutrients. But what if we tell you we can use pee instead? Yes, urine might be the solution to all our problems. Before we talk about how it can help let's see why a shift from chemical fertilisers is necessary. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for plants and hence agriculture. Also read | Knock! Knock! Who's there?...Aliens: When humanity tried to talk to the little green men For almost a century we have relied on synthetic nitrogen to help boost agricultural production, successfully we might add. However, synthetic nutrients like nitrogen harm the environment. When used in large quantities, these chemicals seep into waterways, ponds and rivers, giving rise to algae and essentially choking the aquatic life. Chemical fertilisers also contribute to climate change by creating greenhouse gas emissions. The nutrients that plants need; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are present in human pee. As per Engineer Fabien Esculier, OCAPI research programme, we ingest these via food and excrete them through pee. Watch | Tingle trees undergo prescribed burns, botanists ask 400-year-old trees to be preserved But a major challenge is to overcome public squeamishness over the use of human excrement for fertilising the food we eat. As per AFP, a study on this subject found that different nations reacted differently. While China, France, and Uganda were more open to the idea, Portugal and Uganda were hesitant. If urine is to be used, huge quantities of it would be needed and processed. Earlier urban excrement along with animal manure was transported to fields before being replaced by chemical fertilisers. Also read | One in 10 women left job due to menopausal symptoms in UK, finds survey Separating urine at the source would be necessary and as Tove Larsen, a researcher at Switzerland's Eawag aquatic research institute put it; unsightly and impractical, plus the smell will be an issue. Swiss company Laufen and Eawag are developing a new model to solve this problem. With the prices of synthetic fertilisers currently soaring because of shortages caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pee may be the viable and eco-friendly solution to farming we need. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

If it could help feed the planet, would you be open to eating vegetables fertilised with human pee?

A global shortage of nitrogen fertiliser is driving prices to record levels, prompting North America's farmers to delay purchases and raising the risk of a spring scramble to apply the crop nutrient before planting season.

Farmers apply nitrogen to boost yields of corn, canola, and wheat, and higher fertiliser costs could translate into higher meat and bread prices.

World food prices hit a 10-year high in October, according to the United Nations food agency, led by increases in cereal crops like wheat and vegetable oils.&nbsp;

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The Texas Arctic Blast in February and Hurricane Ida in August disrupted US&nbsp;fertiliser production. Then, prices of natural gas, a key input in producing nitrogen, soared in Europe due to high demand and low supplies.

Global urea prices this month topped $1,000 per tonne for the first time, according to BMO Capital Markets. Russia and China have curbed exports.

In the United States, nitrogen fertilizer supplies are adequate for applications before winter, said Daren Coppock, CEO at US-based Agricultural Retailers Association. Applying fertilizer before winter reduces farmers' spring workload.

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But with prices so high, some farmers are delaying purchases, risking a scramble for supplies during their busiest time of year, Coppock said.

Global nitrogen fertilizer sales were worth $53 billion in 2020, and prices are at least 80 per cent&nbsp;higher so far this year, according to Argus Media.

Normally, MKC, a Kansas farm cooperative, sells fertilizer to farmers for payment up front with delivery months down the road, giving growers certainty about a key expense.

With prices soaring, MKC has scaled back its pre-paid sales out of caution.

"You just don't know what the price is going to be. It has put a lot of retailers in a tough spot," said Troy Walker, MKC's director of retail fertilizer.

Delaying fertilizer purchases until spring runs the risk of further supply chain congestion as farmers rush to apply fertilizer and plant seed during a tight window.

"There's going to be a lot of people who wait and see," Coppock said. "(But) if everybody's scrambling in the spring to get enough, somebody's corn isn't going to get covered."

Wisconsin farmer Jim Zimmerman decided to bite the bullet and secure all his fertilizer for spring, this year.

"It's next year's prices I'm worried about," Zimmerman said. "It could get worse."

Nutrien Ltd, the largest U.S. farm supplier, has secured less nitrogen fertilizer than usual for spring delivery because manufacturers are making less available, said Jeff Tarsi, the company's senior vice president of retail. Sales to farmers are likely to occur closer to spring than usual, he said.

The one nitrogen product that is running short in North America is urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), said Kreg Ruhl, crop nutrients manager at Illinois-based farm cooperative Growmark. UAN is a liquid form that is convenient for farmers to apply.

The US&nbsp;International Trade Commission is conducting an anti-dumping investigation into UAN from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, at the request of US&nbsp;producer CF Industries.

Importers are reluctant to book shipments into 2022, because they may have to pay retroactive duties if CF wins its case, Ruhl said.

Farmers could reduce their fertilizer needs by planting more soybeans and less corn, but there is little evidence many plans to do so.

The US&nbsp;Department of Agriculture forecast US&nbsp;corn plantings would decline to 92 million acres in 2022, from 93.3 million in 2021.

Waiting until spring to buy fertiliser could disappoint some farmers, said Matt Conacher, senior fertilizer manager at Federated Cooperatives Limited, a Canadian wholesale seller.

"My advice is, if you can get your fertiliser now, do so."

A global shortage of nitrogen fertiliser is driving prices to record levels, prompting North America's farmers to delay purchases and raising the risk of a spring scramble to apply the crop nutrient before planting season.

A global shortage of nitrogen fertiliser is driving prices to record levels, prompting North America's farmers to delay purchases and raising the risk of a spring scramble to apply the crop nutrient before planting season. Farmers apply nitrogen to boost yields of corn, canola, and wheat, and higher fertiliser costs could translate into higher meat and bread prices. World food prices hit a 10-year high in October, according to the United Nations food agency, led by increases in cereal crops like wheat and vegetable oils. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies over national security concerns The Texas Arctic Blast in February and Hurricane Ida in August disrupted US fertiliser production. Then, prices of natural gas, a key input in producing nitrogen, soared in Europe due to high demand and low supplies. Global urea prices this month topped $1,000 per tonne for the first time, according to BMO Capital Markets. Russia and China have curbed exports. In the United States, nitrogen fertilizer supplies are adequate for applications before winter, said Daren Coppock, CEO at US-based Agricultural Retailers Association. Applying fertilizer before winter reduces farmers' spring workload. Also read | Biden invites Taiwan to Summit for Democracy; China 'opposes' move But with prices so high, some farmers are delaying purchases, risking a scramble for supplies during their busiest time of year, Coppock said. Global nitrogen fertilizer sales were worth $53 billion in 2020, and prices are at least 80 per cent higher so far this year, according to Argus Media. Normally, MKC, a Kansas farm cooperative, sells fertilizer to farmers for payment up front with delivery months down the road, giving growers certainty about a key expense. With prices soaring, MKC has scaled back its pre-paid sales out of caution. "You just don't know what the price is going to be. It has put a lot of retailers in a tough spot," said Troy Walker, MKC's director of retail fertilizer. Delaying fertilizer purchases until spring runs the risk of further supply chain congestion as farmers rush to apply fertilizer and plant seed during a tight window. "There's going to be a lot of people who wait and see," Coppock said. "(But) if everybody's scrambling in the spring to get enough, somebody's corn isn't going to get covered." Wisconsin farmer Jim Zimmerman decided to bite the bullet and secure all his fertilizer for spring, this year. "It's next year's prices I'm worried about," Zimmerman said. "It could get worse." Nutrien Ltd, the largest U.S. farm supplier, has secured less nitrogen fertilizer than usual for spring delivery because manufacturers are making less available, said Jeff Tarsi, the company's senior vice president of retail. Sales to farmers are likely to occur closer to spring than usual, he said. The one nitrogen product that is running short in North America is urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), said Kreg Ruhl, crop nutrients manager at Illinois-based farm cooperative Growmark. UAN is a liquid form that is convenient for farmers to apply. The US International Trade Commission is conducting an anti-dumping investigation into UAN from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago, at the request of US producer CF Industries. Importers are reluctant to book shipments into 2022, because they may have to pay retroactive duties if CF wins its case, Ruhl said. Farmers could reduce their fertilizer needs by planting more soybeans and less corn, but there is little evidence many plans to do so. The US Department of Agriculture forecast US corn plantings would decline to 92 million acres in 2022, from 93.3 million in 2021. Waiting until spring to buy fertiliser could disappoint some farmers, said Matt Conacher, senior fertilizer manager at Federated Cooperatives Limited, a Canadian wholesale seller. "My advice is, if you can get your fertiliser now, do so."

Fertiliser shortage may lead to spring scramble on North America's farms

As farmers rush to plant rabi winter crops as chill sets in northern India, several states across the country are reporting a massive shortage of fertiliser, threatening to disrupt their planting season.

Several states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are facing a severe shortage of fertilizers mainly of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), according to media reports.

DAP is a preferred fertiliser containing nitrogen and phosphorus that are the primary nutrients for crops. It is used before the sowing season arrives.

The government provides subsidies for farmers by compensating the companies that sell fertilisers at market rates.

Farmers primarily plant mustard, potato, garlic, chickpea, red lentil, green peas, cumin and coriander during October, when the winter starts to set in northern India. The peak demand for fertilisers comes during the November-December period, when rabi crops wheat and onion are sown.

Several videos have emerged on social media showing hundreds of farmers standing in long queues, with some of them claiming they had been waiting for hours for a sack of fertilizer.

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Meanwhile, the government has denied any shortage of fertiliser.

Terming the reports of a fertiliser shortage as “rumours”, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya appealed to farmers not to “hoard” fertilisers.

Last week Punjab’s Agriculture Minister Randeep Singh Nabha had met Mandaviya and raised the issue of shortage of fertilisers in the state.

Mandaviya assured to supply 10 rakes of DAP, five rakes of NPK (complex fertiliser) and two rakes of single super phosphate to the state.

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The total requirement of DAP for rabi crops in Punjab is 5.50 lakh tonnes. Out of this, 4.80 lakh tonnes is required during October and November for timely sowing of the wheat crop.

Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar blamed the shortage of DAP fertiliser on fluctuations in international prices.&nbsp;

“There is a slight shortage of DAP fertiliser because we import it and the prices have also gone up. When DAP prices had increased in the last season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a decision to provide it at a subsidised rate of Rs 1,200 per bag to reduce the burden on farmers. Now, prices have increased globally and it has been decided that the fertiliser would be provided at a subsidised rate of Rs 1,650 per bag,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As farmers rush to plant rabi winter crops as chill sets in northern India, several states across the country are reporting a massive shortage of fertiliser, threatening to disrupt their planting season.

As farmers rush to plant rabi winter crops as chill sets in northern India, several states across the country are reporting a massive shortage of fertiliser, threatening to disrupt their planting season. Several states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh are facing a severe shortage of fertilizers mainly of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP), according to media reports. DAP is a preferred fertiliser containing nitrogen and phosphorus that are the primary nutrients for crops. It is used before the sowing season arrives. The government provides subsidies for farmers by compensating the companies that sell fertilisers at market rates. Farmers primarily plant mustard, potato, garlic, chickpea, red lentil, green peas, cumin and coriander during October, when the winter starts to set in northern India. The peak demand for fertilisers comes during the November-December period, when rabi crops wheat and onion are sown. Several videos have emerged on social media showing hundreds of farmers standing in long queues, with some of them claiming they had been waiting for hours for a sack of fertilizer. Also read | Government appeals to farmers not to hoard fertilisers Meanwhile, the government has denied any shortage of fertiliser. Terming the reports of a fertiliser shortage as “rumours”, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya appealed to farmers not to “hoard” fertilisers. Last week Punjab’s Agriculture Minister Randeep Singh Nabha had met Mandaviya and raised the issue of shortage of fertilisers in the state. Mandaviya assured to supply 10 rakes of DAP, five rakes of NPK (complex fertiliser) and two rakes of single super phosphate to the state. Also read | India sends in 100 tonne fertiliser to Sri Lanka amid Colombo's row with China over contamination The total requirement of DAP for rabi crops in Punjab is 5.50 lakh tonnes. Out of this, 4.80 lakh tonnes is required during October and November for timely sowing of the wheat crop. Earlier, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar blamed the shortage of DAP fertiliser on fluctuations in international prices. “There is a slight shortage of DAP fertiliser because we import it and the prices have also gone up. When DAP prices had increased in the last season, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a decision to provide it at a subsidised rate of Rs 1,200 per bag to reduce the burden on farmers. Now, prices have increased globally and it has been decided that the fertiliser would be provided at a subsidised rate of Rs 1,650 per bag,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Shortage of fertiliser poses fresh problems for Indian farmers ahead of sowing season

Seeking to allay concerns, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said there will be more than adequate supply of crop nutrients, including urea and DAP, in November, and urged farmers not to hoard the commodities on rumours of shortage.

He asked state governments to take strict action against hoarders and those engaged in black marketing.

Through a video message posted on Twitter, the minister said he held a meeting with officials of the Department of Fertilisers to review the availability of fertilisers across the country. The sowing of rabi (winter-sown) crops, including wheat and mustard, has already started from last month.

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Dispelling the rumours of shortage, Mandaviya said the department has made plans to make available 76 lakh tonnes of urea for November as against the demand of 41 lakh tonnes by states.

Similarly, he said 18 lakh tonnes of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) has been made available as against the projected demand of 17 lakh tonnes. As much as 30 lakh tonnes of NPK nutrients will be supplied this month as against the demand of 17 lakh tonnes.

"The government has made arrangements to supply more fertilisers than required in November. Hence, I appeal to all farmers not to get carried away by rumours of shortage and request not to hoard fertilisers," Mandaviya said.

The minister said he has got information from various states about the black marketing of fertilisers.

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He asked states to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of fertilisers.

The government is making available fertilisers, namely urea and 24 grades of P&amp;K (phosphatic and potassic) fertilisers, to farmers at subsidised prices through manufacturers/ importers.

The subsidy on P&amp;K fertilisers is being governed by the NBS (nutrient-based subsidy) scheme with effect from April 2010.

In the case of urea, the Centre has fixed the maximum retail prices and reimburses the difference between the MRP (maximum retail price) and production cost in the form of subsidy.

Last month, the government announced a net subsidy of Rs 28,655 crore on P&amp;K fertilisers to ensure that farmers get nutrients at affordable prices during the rabi sowing season.

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the NBS rates for P&amp;K fertilisers for the October 2021-March 2022 period.

Under the NBS, the per-kg subsidy rates of N (nitrogen) has been fixed at Rs 18.789, P (phosphorus) Rs 45.323, K (potash) Rs 10.116 and S (sulphur) at Rs 2.374.

India imports a large quantity of urea, DAP and muriate of potash (MoP) to meet domestic demand.&nbsp;The government is reviving many closed urea fertiliser plants to make the country self-sufficient.

Seeking to allay concerns, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said there will be more than adequate supply of crop nutrients, including urea and DAP, in November, and urged farmers not to hoard the commodities on rumours of shortage.

Seeking to allay concerns, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday said there will be more than adequate supply of crop nutrients, including urea and DAP, in November, and urged farmers not to hoard the commodities on rumours of shortage. He asked state governments to take strict action against hoarders and those engaged in black marketing. Through a video message posted on Twitter, the minister said he held a meeting with officials of the Department of Fertilisers to review the availability of fertilisers across the country. The sowing of rabi (winter-sown) crops, including wheat and mustard, has already started from last month. Also read | Developed nations enjoyed fruits of energy, must reduce their emissions: India Dispelling the rumours of shortage, Mandaviya said the department has made plans to make available 76 lakh tonnes of urea for November as against the demand of 41 lakh tonnes by states. Similarly, he said 18 lakh tonnes of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) has been made available as against the projected demand of 17 lakh tonnes. As much as 30 lakh tonnes of NPK nutrients will be supplied this month as against the demand of 17 lakh tonnes. "The government has made arrangements to supply more fertilisers than required in November. Hence, I appeal to all farmers not to get carried away by rumours of shortage and request not to hoard fertilisers," Mandaviya said. The minister said he has got information from various states about the black marketing of fertilisers. Also read | Good governance must percolate to lowest level: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu He asked states to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of fertilisers. The government is making available fertilisers, namely urea and 24 grades of P&K (phosphatic and potassic) fertilisers, to farmers at subsidised prices through manufacturers/ importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilisers is being governed by the NBS (nutrient-based subsidy) scheme with effect from April 2010. In the case of urea, the Centre has fixed the maximum retail prices and reimburses the difference between the MRP (maximum retail price) and production cost in the form of subsidy. Last month, the government announced a net subsidy of Rs 28,655 crore on P&K fertilisers to ensure that farmers get nutrients at affordable prices during the rabi sowing season. Also read | 'We welcome all students': Schools reopen after 19 months The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the NBS rates for P&K fertilisers for the October 2021-March 2022 period. Under the NBS, the per-kg subsidy rates of N (nitrogen) has been fixed at Rs 18.789, P (phosphorus) Rs 45.323, K (potash) Rs 10.116 and S (sulphur) at Rs 2.374. India imports a large quantity of urea, DAP and muriate of potash (MoP) to meet domestic demand. The government is reviving many closed urea fertiliser plants to make the country self-sufficient.

Government appeals to farmers not to hoard fertilisers

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