Should I use coated or slow-release urea, and is it worth the extra cost?

Coated and slow-release urea aim to release nitrogen more gradually so less is lost and more reaches the crop, which can improve nitrogen use efficiency. In India neem-coated urea is the standard subsidised urea sold, and the neem coating slows the conversion of nitrogen a little and discourages diversion of urea to non-farm uses. Slow or controlled-release types release nitrogen over a longer period, which can be useful for long-duration crops or on light soils where ordinary urea leaches fast, potentially reducing the number of top dressings needed. Whether the extra cost pays off depends on your crop duration, soil type and how much nitrogen you currently lose; on a short crop or a heavy soil the benefit may be small. The bigger gains usually come from correct timing, placement and splitting of ordinary urea. Weigh the premium against your conditions, take your KVK's view for your crop, base the dose on your Soil Health Card or soil test, and do not over-apply.