The Department of Fertilizers has reaffirmed that India’s fertiliser security remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with availability consistently exceeding requirement across all major fertilisers. Recent claims of shortages are not supported by facts, as data from both the recently concluded Rabi 2025–26 season and the current period indicate a comfortable and well-buffered supply position nationwide.

As per end-of-Rabi data (October 2025 to March 2026), fertiliser availability remained significantly higher than requirement. Urea availability stood at 257.59 LMT against a requirement of 196.06 LMT, while DAP availability was 75.40 LMT against a requirement of 53.43 LMT. Similarly, MOP availability was 19.64 LMT against a requirement of 15.69 LMT, NPK availability was 117.44 LMT against a requirement of 82.38 LMT, and SSP availability stood at 50.10 LMT against a requirement of 31.19 LMT, clearly demonstrating that supplies exceeded demand across all nutrient categories.

The strong supply position continues in the current financial year as well. For the period 1 April 2026 to 23 April 2026, availability remains substantially higher than requirement. Urea availability is 69.33 LMT against a requirement of 18.17 LMT, DAP availability is 22.78 LMT against 5.90 LMT requirement, MOP availability is 8.32 LMT against 1.73 LMT requirement, NPK availability is 52.75 LMT against 7.46 LMT requirement, and SSP availability is 25.60 LMT against 3.30 LMT requirement. This clearly indicates a strong opening position for the upcoming Kharif season.

Further reinforcing preparedness, for Kharif 2026 the fertiliser requirement has been assessed at 390.54 LMT, against which around 180 LMT (46%) is already available as opening stock, significantly higher than the usual pre-season level of about 33%. This reflects improved planning, advance stocking, and efficient logistics management by the Government.

To ensure sustained availability and efficient distribution, State Agriculture Secretaries and officials are in constant coordination with the Department of Fertilizers to closely monitor movement and availability across districts. States have been advised to take strict action against diversion, hoarding, black marketing, and panic mongering, ensuring that fertilisers reach farmers in a timely and equitable manner.

The Government has also taken proactive steps on the global front. Indian Missions abroad are actively engaged in facilitating alternate sources of supply, complementing the Government’s efforts to diversify imports. In addition, approximately 25 LMT of urea has been secured through global tendering, strengthening supply for upcoming seasons despite international uncertainties. Issues relating to natural gas availability for domestic urea production have also been addressed, with steady supply being maintained to fertiliser plants and additional LNG/RLNG being arranged as required.

Despite a sharp rise in global fertiliser prices—where international prices of urea have exceeded ₹4,000 per bag—the Government continues to supply urea to farmers at a highly subsidised rate of ₹266.5 per 45 kg bag. This underscores the Government’s commitment to shielding farmers from global price volatility while ensuring affordability and accessibility.

The Department of Fertilizers reiterates that India’s fertiliser ecosystem remains resilient, adequately stocked, and efficiently managed, and the Government will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilisers to farmers across the country.

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Neeraj Kumar Bhatt

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