"Green Urea" policy in India

 India is aiming to transition to "Green Urea" production, moving away from fossil fuel-based methods and towards sustainable practices, with a focus on reducing imports and promoting domestic production, while also aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the "Green Urea" policy in India:

1. Goals and Objectives:

Reduce Dependence on Imports:

India, a major urea importer, aims to become self-sufficient in urea production by 2025. 

Promote Sustainable Production:

The focus is on transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable methods of urea production, including the use of green hydrogen and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies. 

Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

By adopting green urea production, India aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint in the fertilizer sector. 

Improve Energy Efficiency:

The policy aims to promote energy efficiency in urea production and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. 

Enhance Food Security:

A stable and sustainable urea supply is crucial for India's agricultural sector and food security. 

2. Key Initiatives and Policies:

Green Urea Mission:

There is a case for establishing a "Green Urea Mission" to foster the development of green hydrogen and CCU industries, which could lower urea production costs and subsidies. 

National Green Hydrogen Mission:

The National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims to make India a global leader in green hydrogen production, will get a large domestic market in the urea sector. 

New Urea Policy (NUP-2015):

This policy, notified by the Department of Fertilizers, aims to maximize indigenous urea production, promote energy efficiency, and rationalize the subsidy burden. 

New Investment Policy (NIP):

The government has announced New Investment Policy (NIP) to facilitate fresh investment in the urea sector and to make India self-sufficient in the urea sector. 

Promoting Alternate Fertilizers:

The government is also promoting the use of alternate fertilizers like nano liquid urea and nano liquid di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). 

3. Benefits of Green Urea:

Reduced Urea Consumption:

By promoting natural farming, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency, and reducing urea dependency, India aims to halve its urea consumption by 2050. 

Elimination of Urea Imports:

The Green Urea Mission aims to eliminate urea imports, reducing the country's dependence on global markets. 

Reduced Subsidies:

Transitioning to green urea production could lead to a significant reduction in fertilizer subsidies. 

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Green urea production can lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India's net-zero goals. 

Mitigation of Air and Water Pollution:

The shift to green urea can help mitigate air and water pollution associated with current urea production practices. 

Enhanced Energy and Food Security:

A sustainable and efficient urea production sector will contribute to India's energy and food security.