Fertiliser Scenario in India
Source: PIB
GS III: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Overview
- News in Brief
- Fertiliser Scenario in India
- How has India overcome Challenges in the fertiliser sector?
- Types of Chemical Fertilisers Used in Agriculture
Why in the News?
Department of Fertilizers (DoF) is entrusted with the crucial mandate of ensuring timely and adequate availability of fertilizers across the country.
News in Brief
- Before the beginning of each cropping season, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) assesses State-wise fertilizer requirements.
- Based on these projections, the DoF issues monthly, State-wise and Company-wise supply plan.
- Over the past decade, the country has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in domestic fertilizer production.
- Strategic global partnerships that collectively strengthen India’s food security.
Fertiliser Scenario in India
- Urea production has witnessed a robust increase from 227.15 LMT in 2013-14 to 306.67 LMT in 2024-25, marking an impressive growth of 35%.
- Production of DAP and NPKS fertilisers combined has grown from 110.09 LMT to 158.78 LMT during the same period – a 44% increase.
Geopolitical Issues and Impact
- The prevalent geopolitical situation has affected the supplies of fertilisers to the country.
- Ongoing Red Sea crisis
- Disrupted the supplies to the country, resulting in re-routing of shipments via the Cape of Good Hope—adding over 6,500 km to the journey.
- This has significantly increased voyage time, particularly for DAP.
- War
- Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Iran war has escalated the prices of fertilisers in the International market.
How has India overcome Challenges in the fertiliser sector?
- Timely diplomatic engagements, logistical interventions, and long-term arrangements have ensured that our farmers do not face any scarcity.
- An arrangement of 25 LMT of DAP and TSP has been secured between consortium of Indian fertilizer companies and Morocco.
- In July 2025, a Long-Term Agreement (LTA) was signed between Saudi Arabia and Indian companies for the annual supply of 31 LMT of DAP for five years starting 2025-26.
- Department of Fertilizers has ensured uninterrupted availability of Urea across the country by maximizing domestic production and procurement through global tenders.
Types of Chemical Fertilisers Used in Agriculture
- Phosphatic Fertilisers
- Vital for root development, flowering, and seed formation.
- This include Single Super Phosphate (16-20% P2O5, calcium, and sulfur) and Diammonium Phosphate (46% phosphorus, 18% nitrogen), both enhancing soil fertility and plant growth
- Potassic Fertilisers
- Essential for water regulation, enzyme activation, and disease resistance, include MOP (60% potassium), commonly used in India.
- Sulphate of Potash (50% potassium, 18% sulfur), recommended for chloride-sensitive crops like tobacco, fruits, and vegetables.
- Nitrogenous Fertilisers
- Nitrogenous fertilizers like Urea (46% nitrogen), Ammonium Sulfate (21% nitrogen, 24% sulfur), and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (26% nitrogen) are essential for plant growth.
- Enhancing protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and rapid development.
- NPK fertilizers
- For balanced nutrition,
- NPKS
- They contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur.
- Ammonium Phosphate Sulfate (APS)
- They are which is rich in sulfur, phosphorus, and nitrogen, ideal for sulfur-deficient soils.
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