Production of nitrogen and P2O5 also recorded increase compared to the previous month, i.e., February 1998. Nitrogen and P2O5 production increased by 11 and 12 per cent respectively during March 1998 compared to February 1998 in straight and NP/NPK fertilisers. Cumulative production of nitrogen and P2O5 touched 10.09 and 2.98 million tonnes respectively during the full year 1997-98 (April/March) as against 8.59 and 2.57 million tonnes during 1996-97. This represented a growth rate of 17 and 16 per cent for nitrgoenand P2O5 respectively. Nearly 90 per cent of the increase in nitrogen production was contributed by straight fertilisers (mainly urea) and 10 per cent through NP/NPKs. Conversely, entire increase in P2O5 production was contributed by complex fertilisers (mainly DAP) while straight P2O5 (SSP) remained virtually stagnant during the period. In terms of product, output of urea rose from 15.62 million tonnes in 1996-97 to 18.60 million tonnes during 1997-98. As a result of the excellent performance, production of nitrogen and P2O5 surpassed respective targets by 4.75 and 1.16 lakh tonnes during 1997-98.