Urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertilizer in agriculture. It contains 46% nitrogen, the nutrient that drives leaf and stem growth, so it is used on almost every major crop: rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane and vegetables.
Whether you farm a few acres or manage a large estate, urea is probably part of your season. Used well, it is one of the cheapest ways to grow a bigger crop. Used badly, it wastes money and harms the soil. This guide covers the types of urea, how to apply it, what it costs and what to watch out for.
What is urea in agriculture?
Urea is a white solid with the formula CO(NH2)2. In the soil, it converts to ammonium and then nitrate, which plants take up as nitrogen. Because it is so concentrated, farmers handle and store less product for the same amount of nitrogen. Learn more about nitrogen fertilizer and urea fertilizer.
Why urea matters to farmers
- High nitrogen: 46%, more than any other common solid fertilizer
- Low cost per kilo of nitrogen: usually the cheapest nitrogen source
- Works on most crops and soils
- Easy to store and spread
- Fast response: crops often green up within days of application
Types of urea used in farming
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Granular urea | Larger, harder particles | Spreads evenly, the most common form in world trade |
| Prilled urea | Smaller round beads formed in a prilling tower | Dissolves quickly, common in local markets |
| Coated urea | Granules coated with sulphur, polymer or neem | Releases nitrogen more slowly and reduces losses; all fertilizer urea in India is neem-coated |
| Nano urea | A liquid nitrogen product sprayed on leaves | Used in small doses alongside regular urea; results vary by crop and conditions |
How to apply urea
The biggest losses happen when urea sits on the soil surface. These habits make it work harder:
- Work it in or water it in. Mix it into the soil or apply just before rain or irrigation.
- Split the dose. For example, part at sowing and the rest during active growth.
- Avoid wet leaves. Granules sticking to dew-covered leaves can scorch them.
- Match the rate to the crop. As a rough guide, most field crops use 50 to 80 kg of urea per acre and paddy 75 to 100 kg. Sugarcane needs more, often 150 to 200 kg per acre over the season.
For step-by-step advice, read how to use urea as fertilizer.
Urea price in 2026
- India: the government fixes the maximum retail price at ₹242 per 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea, excluding neem coating charges and taxes. India no longer sells 50 kg bags.
- World market: the World Bank benchmark (granular urea, FOB Middle East) averaged $407.50 per tonne in September 2026.
See the full urea price guide for per kg and per bag figures.
Benefits and drawbacks of urea
| Benefits | Drawbacks if misused |
|---|---|
| Highest nitrogen of any common solid fertilizer | Nitrogen lost to the air if left on the surface |
| Low cost per kilo of nitrogen | Overuse makes soil more acidic over time |
| Quick crop response | Excess nitrate can leach into groundwater |
| Suits most crops and soils | Too much can burn roots and seedlings |
| Long shelf life when kept dry | Absorbs moisture and cakes in damp storage |
The fix for almost every drawback is the same: apply the right amount at the right time, based on a soil test.
What is nano urea?
Nano urea is a liquid nitrogen fertilizer developed in India by IFFCO. It is sprayed on the leaves in small doses, usually alongside a reduced amount of granular urea. The idea is to cut the amount of bagged urea a farmer needs. Field results have been mixed, so follow local agronomic advice on how much granular urea it can replace on your crop.
HS code for agricultural urea
For trade and customs, fertilizer urea falls under HS code 3102.10 (urea, whether or not in aqueous solution). India’s 8-digit code is 3102 10 00.
Buying urea in bulk
Agromer trades urea with major refineries on spot and contract terms for importers, distributors and industrial buyers. Offers are issued against an end-buyer Letter of Intent with the grade, quantity, packaging and destination. See urea N46 for grades.
Frequently asked questions
Is urea good for all crops?
Urea suits most crops, including rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane and vegetables. The rate and timing should match the crop and your soil test.
How much urea should I use per acre?
As a rough guide, 50 to 80 kg per acre for most field crops and 75 to 100 kg for paddy, usually split into two or three doses. A soil test gives the right figure for your field.
Can urea harm plants?
Yes, if you use too much or let granules sit on wet leaves. Overuse can also acidify soil and pollute groundwater.
What is the price of a urea bag in India?
The maximum retail price is ₹242 per 45 kg bag of neem-coated urea, excluding neem coating charges and taxes.
What is nano urea used for?
It is a liquid nitrogen fertilizer sprayed on leaves, used alongside a reduced amount of granular urea.
Why is urea so popular in India?
It is cheap, widely available and subsidised by the government, and it works well on India’s main crops, such as rice and wheat.