The Centre on Friday said it has ensured adequate and timely availability of fertilizers across the country by ramping up imports to bridge the gap between domestic production and rising demand.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said that fertilizer requirements are assessed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in consultation with states, taking into account factors such as gross cropped area, irrigation coverage, past consumption trends, and crop-wise nutrient requirements based on soil health.
Based on these projections, the Department of Fertilizers allocates supplies to states through a monthly distribution plan to maintain steady availability.
Official data shows a significant increase in imports during the current financial year (April–January 2025–26) compared to the same period last year. Urea imports rose sharply to 89.30 lakh tonnes from 48.70 lakh tonnes, while imports of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) increased to 60.16 lakh tonnes from 43.09 lakh tonnes.
Domestic production of urea stood at 251.26 lakh tonnes during April–January 2025–26, slightly lower than 258.48 lakh tonnes in the previous year. DAP production also saw a marginal dip to 33.71 lakh tonnes from 34.25 lakh tonnes.
Despite this, overall availability remained stable, with urea sales rising to 352.61 lakh tonnes from 345.86 lakh tonnes, and DAP sales increasing to 91.36 lakh tonnes from 90.31 lakh tonnes during the same period.
To supplement conventional fertilizers, the government has also promoted innovative alternatives under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, including Nano Urea and Nano DAP.
Sales of Nano Urea reached 182.50 lakh bottles (500 ml equivalent) during April–January 2025–26, while Nano DAP sales stood at 144.93 lakh bottles, reflecting growing adoption of these products.
The Ministry reiterated that imports are planned well in advance to ensure uninterrupted supply, particularly during peak agricultural seasons, thereby safeguarding farmers from potential shortages.
