The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the availability of fertilizers while addressing challenges of import dependence and soil nutrient imbalance. In a reply to a Starred Question in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, provided details of ongoing measures.

Securing Fertilizer Raw Materials through Strategic Partnerships India continues to rely significantly on imports for key fertilizer raw materials and intermediates due to limited domestic reserves . To mitigate geopolitical disruptions, the Department of Fertilizers has facilitated several Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with resource-rich nations to ensure a stable supply for domestic production. Details of LTAs is attached as Annexure-I.

Estimated Import Share of Key Raw Materials (2024-25):

Sl. No.	Raw material/ Intermediates	Estimated share of import (%)
1.	Rock phosphate	86.0
2.	Sulphur	52.0
3.	Natural Gas for Urea Sector	78.0
4.	Ammonia for Complex Fertilisers	75.0
5.	Phosphoric Acid	52.0
6.	Muriate of Potash	100.0

(Source: Fertilizer Association of India)

To achieve domestic substitution, the Government is encouraging capacity expansion under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme . Fertilizer companies are currently establishing new DAP/NPK plants with a combined annual capacity of 59.65 LMT, alongside phosphoric and sulphuric acid plants with a capacity of 44.21 LMT . Furthermore, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a provision has been made for the procurement of 7.24 LMT of Green Ammonia for the fertilizer sector.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recommends soil test–based balanced fertilization, ensuring that nutrients are applied according to the actual needs of the crops and supplementing soil nutrients. This is complemented by the balanced application of NPK fertilizers rather than excessive reliance on nitrogen alone. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is promoted through the combined use of inorganic fertilizers and organic sources such as manure, compost, green manure, biofertilizers, and crop residue recycling, which helps maintain soil health and reduce chemical fertilizer dependency.

Efficient fertilizer use is encouraged through practices such as split application of nitrogen, proper placement of fertilizers, and the use of slow-release fertilizers, neem-coated urea, and nitrification inhibitors to minimize nutrient losses. The use of biofertilizers and adoption of organic farming practices further support sustainable nutrient supply and reduce urea consumption. In addition, proper soil and water management practices enhance nutrient use efficiency and prevent losses through leaching and runoff.

ICAR also engaged in capacity building through farmer training, demonstrations, and awareness programs that plays an important role in promoting these practices. Together, these measures help reduce excessive urea consumption, ensure balanced nutrient application, and improve soil health while protecting the environment.

Annexure-I

Rock Phosphate:

Jordan

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
Ostwal	JPMC	Rock Phosphate	5,00,000	10 yrs May 2022 to April 2032

 

Morocco

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
PPL	OCP	Rock Phosphate	16,00,000 to 18,00,000	10yrs (31-Dec-23 to 30-Nov-33)

 

Togo

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
FACT	SNPT	Rock Phosphate	2,40,000 (non-binding)	3 yrs 10.02.2025 to 09.01.2028

 

Mauritania

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
RCF	M/s. Atlantic Minerals SARL	Rock Phosphate	1,50,000 (non-binding)	3 yrs 2025 to 2028

 

2.       Phosphoric Acid:

Morocco

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
PPL	OCP	Phosphoric acid	3,00,000 to 3,50,000	Yearly (Quarterly renewal Agreement)
Indorama	OCP	Phosphoric Acid	1,20,000 MT of P2O5	Ongoing, signed on 01.06.2021
	Total:		4,20,000 to 4,70,000

 

Tunisia

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
GSFC	TIFERT	Phosphoric Acid	1,80,000	30yrs (21/08/2006 to 21/08/2036)

 

Senegal

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
IFFCO	ICS	Phosphoric Acid	5,50,000	34 years Started: 17-May-99

3.       Ammonia

Saudi Arabia

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
CIL	MA’ADEN	Ammonia	6,00,000 (+/-10%)	3yrs (01/01/2024 to 31/12/2026)

 

Oman

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
PPL	East West General Trading, Dubai	Ammonia	3,50,000	3 years 01-Aug-24 to 31-Jul-27

 

Japan

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
Indorama	ITOCHU	Ammonia	15,000 - 60,000 MT	1 yr (01.01.25 to 31.12.25)

 

Malaysia

Indian Company	Counterpart company	Product	Annual Quantity (MT)	Duration (Years)
PPL	Itochu Corporation	Ammonia	50,000 to 90,000	1 Year (01-01-25 to 31-12-25)

 

'पैनिक करने की आवश्यकता नहीं है. हमारे पास पर्याप्त भंडारण है. किसानों को सही समय पर जितनी खाद चाहिए, मिलेगी.'

लोकसभा में प्रश्नकाल के दौरान उर्वरक की उपलब्धता पर मा. रसायन एवं उर्वरक मंत्री श्री जेपी नड्डा जी का जवाब#BudgetSession #FertilizerStock@JPNadda @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/TNwLO3FLvK

— Department of Fertilizers (@fertmin_india) March 27, 2026

******

Neeraj Kumar Bhatt/ Amit Kumar/ Shatrughna Prasad

cmc.fertilizers[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2245973) Visitor Counter : 1265