Key facts
- India is finalizing the import of 1.7 million tonnes of urea.
- Fertilizer stock is comfortable for the Kharif season, with current availability at 196.65 million tonnes.
- The government has secured over 5 million tonnes of urea and P&K fertilizers amidst global supply concerns.
- Domestic urea production reached a record 314.07 million tonnes in 2023-24.
- Farmers are showing an increasing preference for organic manure.
The Indian government is in the final stages of securing 1.7 million tonnes of urea imports to ensure sufficient supply for the ongoing Kharif sowing season. Bandana Preyashi, Joint Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers, stated that the overall stock position of fertilizers in the country is comfortable, with current availability at 196.65 lakh tonnes against a projected demand of 383.9 lakh tonnes for the season.
Preyashi highlighted that farmers have already purchased 102.78 lakh tonnes of chemical fertilizers and 11.82 lakh tonnes of organic manure, indicating a growing preference for organic alternatives. The government has secured over 50 lakh tonnes of urea and phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers amidst global supply chain disruptions. National Fertilizers Ltd (NFL) has received bids for over 60 lakh tonnes of urea in its tender, with the lowest rate at approximately USD 445 per tonne.
Domestic production has also seen significant growth, with urea production reaching a record high of 314.07 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. P&K fertilizer manufacturing also hit a historic high of 211.22 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. The department is actively monitoring international and national scenarios and ensuring timely payments of fertilizer subsidies to companies, reinforcing India's fertilizer security.