Mangaluru: Urea production was shut down from Friday evening at the Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF) due to acute water shortage. This decision would affect kharif sowing season as it caters to 80% of the state’s fertiliser needs.

According to sources, water supply to MCF has been down since February.  MCF is in agreement with Mangaluru City Corporation, according to which they get 2 MLD water from Thumbe vented dam. However, the depleted water level at the dam lead to water shortage.

“Urea production requires a lot of water, and since there is a lack of water supply, they cannot produce urea. Production cannot resume before the onset of monsoon, when the dam is full and water will be released to the industries,” said the official.

The MCF produces 1,200 tonnes of urea and 1,000 tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) daily. It has now reduced their production by 35 per cent. This is going to affect both the sowing season and industry.