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Urea imports have decreased by 36 per cent to 32.26 lakh tonnes (LT) in the first seven months of 2014-15 owing to carry-over stocks and a fall in sowing during this kharif season.
Urea imports stood at 50.38 LT in the April-October period of 2013-14, according to official data.
"Urea imports have come down this year so far mainly due to carry-over stocks from last year and farmers sowing crops in lesser area compared to last year," a Fertilizer Ministry official said.
Sowing of kharif crop begins with the onset of southwest monsoon in June and farmers normally start preparing fields before the arrival of rains.
Urea is imported by three STEs (state trading enterprises) - Indian Potash Ltd (IPL), MMTC and STC on behalf of the government to meet domestic shortfall.
