India’s fertiliser supply remains robust, stable and efficiently managed, the government has reaffirmed, dismissing recent claims of shortages as unfounded.
Official data from both the concluded Rabi 2025–26 season and the current period indicate a comfortable and well-buffered supply position nationwide.
During the Rabi season (October 2025 to March 2026), fertiliser stocks were comfortably above requirements. Urea availability reached 257.59 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) against a demand of 196.06 LMT, while DAP stood at 75.40 LMT compared to a requirement of 53.43 LMT.
Similarly, MOP availability was 19.64 LMT against 15.69 LMT, NPK at 117.44 LMT against 82.38 LMT, and SSP at 50.10 LMT against 31.19 LMT—clearly demonstrating a surplus across all nutrient categories, a statement by the Department of Fertilizers said.
The strong supply trend has continued into the current financial year. Between April 1 and April 23, 2026, fertiliser availability has remained significantly higher than demand.
Urea stocks stood at 69.33 LMT against a requirement of 18.17 LMT, while DAP was available at 22.78 LMT against 5.90 LMT. MOP, NPK, and SSP also recorded substantial surpluses, indicating a well-prepared start for the upcoming Kharif season.
For Kharif 2026, the total fertiliser requirement has been estimated at 390.54 LMT. Notably, around 180 LMT—approximately 46 per cent of the requirement—is already available as opening stock. This is significantly higher than the usual pre-season level of about 33 per cent, reflecting improved planning, advance stocking, and efficient logistics management.
To maintain smooth distribution, the Department of Fertilizers is working in close coordination with State Agriculture Secretaries and officials to monitor supply across districts.
States have been directed to take strict action against diversion, hoarding, black marketing, and panic-driven misinformation to ensure timely and equitable access for farmers.
On the global front, the government has taken proactive measures to secure supplies. Indian missions abroad are facilitating alternative sourcing options, while approximately 25 LMT of urea has been procured through global tenders. Domestic production has also been stabilised, with adequate natural gas supply ensured and additional LNG/RLNG arranged as needed.
Despite a sharp rise in international fertiliser prices—with global urea prices exceeding Rs 4,000 per bag—the government continues to supply urea to farmers at a heavily subsidised rate of Rs 266.50 per 45 kg bag. This reflects its commitment to protecting farmers from global price volatility while ensuring affordability, the statement said.
The Department of Fertilizers reiterated that India’s fertiliser ecosystem remains resilient, well-stocked, and efficiently managed, assuring that all necessary steps will continue to be taken to guarantee uninterrupted availability to farmers nationwide.
