Updated: 3 October 2026
The government-fixed MRP of urea is ₹242 for a 45 kg neem-coated bag, which works out to ₹5.38 per kg. The Department of Fertilizers states this MRP excludes neem-coating charges and taxes as applicable, so the shop bill can show a little more. The same ₹242 was stated in August 2021, and no later change is known.
One bag holds 20.7 kg of nitrogen. There is no state-wise MRP for urea. Below: what is in the bag, how much to apply, and what to check at the shop. For other fertilisers see the fertiliser price list.
Price and bag at a glance
| Item | Figure | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| MRP per bag | ₹242 for 45 kg (neem-coated) | Department of Fertilizers, as quoted Aug 2021 |
| MRP per kg | ₹242 / 45 = ₹5.38 | Arithmetic |
| Nitrogen per bag | 45 x 46 / 100 = 20.7 kg N | 46% N minimum, FCO |
| Cost per kg of N | ₹242 / 20.7 = ₹11.69 | Arithmetic, before neem charge and taxes |
- Urea has no per-kg subsidy rate like the NBS rates for P and K fertilisers. Its price is set by statute.
- The latest NBS notice (Kharif 2026) covers phosphatic and potassic grades only.
What is in the bag
- Nitrogen: the Fertiliser (Control) Order requires at least 46% N on dry basis, moisture at most 1.0% and biuret at most 1.5%. The same order lists a coated urea grade at a minimum of 45% N with coating, which would give 45 x 45 / 100 = 20.25 kg per bag.
- Other nutrients: the order sets no phosphorus, potash, sulphur or calcium content for urea. All the value is nitrogen.
- Storage: TNAU notes urea absorbs moisture from the air, so keep bags dry and closed.
Crops, soils and doses
TNAU describes urea as suitable for most crops and all soil types, applied at sowing or as top dressing. The doses below are from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for medium-fertility soils without a soil test. Other states and soils need different amounts; get a Soil Health Card test and use the fertiliser calculator.
| Crop (PAU, per acre) | Neem-coated urea | Nitrogen | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy, most varieties | 90 kg | 42 kg | 3 equal splits: within 7 days and 21 days of transplanting, then at 35 to 42 days |
| Paddy, PR 132 | 67.5 kg | 31.5 kg | Same three splits |
| Wheat | 110 kg total with 55 kg DAP | 50 kg | No urea at sowing if DAP is used; 45 kg each at first and second irrigation |
| Bt cotton hybrids | 120 kg | 55 kg | As per package |
| Maize hybrids (PMH 1 type) | 110 kg | 50 kg | As per package |
- Cut the urea when you add organic manure: PAU saves 35 kg urea with 6 tonnes of farmyard manure and 55 kg with green manure in paddy. See organic fertiliser.
- If you use 27 kg DAP in paddy on a phosphorus-deficient soil, PAU reduces urea by 10 kg.
Common mistakes
- Broadcasting on standing water. PAU says apply the second and third paddy splits when water is not standing, and irrigate on the third day.
- Broadcasting in a waterlogged wheat field. If water stagnates near the second irrigation, PAU says do not broadcast; spray 15 kg urea in 200 litres of water at 42 and 54 days after sowing instead.
- Adding urea on top of DAP. DAP already carries 18% N. Count it, as in the wheat row above.
- Using it as the only fertiliser. Urea gives no phosphorus, potash or sulphur.
How it compares per kg of nutrient
At ₹11.69 per kg of N, urea is the cheapest source of nitrogen among the products priced here. A ₹1,350 DAP bag holds only 9 kg N (50 x 18 / 100), and DAP is bought mainly for its phosphate. See the DAP page for the DAP and SSP comparison.
Genuine product, tagging and complaints
- The Fertiliser (Control) Order requires the bag to be marked "FERTILISER" and sealed so contents cannot be tampered with; hand-stitched bags need a lead seal. Do not accept a torn, re-stitched or unmarked bag.
- The dealer must display stock and the price list and issue a cash or credit memo (Form M). Keep the bill.
- Subsidised fertiliser is sold through Aadhaar-enabled PoS devices. The Minister told the Lok Sabha on 7 Aug 2026 that farmers with genuine authentication problems have alternative Aadhaar-based modes under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act.
- Forced tagging (making you buy nano fertiliser, bio-stimulants or pesticide with urea) was told to stop by the Agriculture Minister in a July 2025 letter to the States. A Parliamentary Standing Committee found there is still no explicit rule in the Order and recommended adding one.
- Complain to the District Agriculture Officer or the state agriculture department. The Kisan Call Centre number listed by PAU is 1800-180-1551. Check stock first on the fertiliser availability page.
Related nano product
IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid came in a 500 ml bottle with 40,000 ppm (4%) nitrogen at ₹240 when launched in May 2021; the company says one bottle matches the nitrogen effect of one urea bag and reports an average 8% yield rise in trials. These are company claims and the current price was not confirmed. See Nano Urea. Browse the fertiliser guide for more.
Sources
- Global Agriculture, urea MRP Rs 242 per 45 kg bag (Department of Fertilizers statement, 6 Aug 2021)
- Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985, Schedule I specifications and dealer rules (consolidated copy hosted by Puducherry government)
- TNAU Agritech Portal, properties of urea, DAP, SSP and MOP
- PAU Package of Practices, Kharif 2026 (Punjab Agricultural University)
- PAU Package of Practices, Rabi 2025-26 (Punjab Agricultural University)
- Tribune, Lok Sabha reply on Aadhaar-enabled PoS sale of fertiliser, 7 Aug 2026
- Indian Chemical News, Agriculture Minister's July 2025 letter to States on fake fertiliser and forced tagging
- PRS India, Standing Committee on forced bundling of fertiliser
- Global Agriculture, IFFCO Nano Urea launch (May 2021)