Amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions to global supply chains, the Government of India has taken proactive measures to safeguard fertilizer availability for farmers. By securing fertilizer imports from multiple countries and ensuring the safe passage of 15 fertilizer vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the government has significantly strengthened the country's fertilizer reserves. At the same time, the restoration of 100% natural gas supply has enabled record domestic production of urea, DAP, and other fertilizers, ensuring uninterrupted availability for the upcoming Kharif and Rabi cropping seasons.
According to the government, 15 vessels carrying fertilizers and fertilizer raw materials for India have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are arriving at Indian ports as scheduled. These shipments include- 8 vessels carrying 332,000 metric tonnes (3.32 LMT) of urea, 4 vessels carrying 257,000 metric tonnes (2.57 LMT) of DAP, 3 vessels carrying 111,000 metric tonnes (1.11 LMT) of sulphur
The arrival of these shipments is expected to substantially improve fertilizer availability across the country. Additionally, five more vessels carrying ammonia, urea, and sulphur are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks, further reinforcing India's fertilizer supply chain.
The government stated that natural gas supply to fertilizer plants, which had temporarily declined to around 65%, has now been fully restored to 100%. As a result, all urea manufacturing plants across the country are operating at full capacity. Domestic urea production has surpassed official targets for three consecutive months. April 2026 20.98 LMT produced against a target of 20.34 LMT, May 2026 A record 25.19 LMT produced against a target of 22.55 LMT, June 2026 25.37 LMT produced against a target of 24.96 LMT.
During the first quarter of FY 2026–27 (April–June), India produced 71.55 LMT of urea, exceeding the target of 67.86 LMT by 3.69 LMT, marking one of the strongest quarterly performances in recent years.
Alongside record urea production, domestic output of other key fertilizers also increased significantly. DAP production reached 9.84 LMT during the first quarter, surpassing the target of 8.61 LMT. Production of NPK fertilizers stood at 20.77 LMT, while Single Super Phosphate (SSP) output reached 13.50 LMT during the same period.
The government said the increase in domestic fertilizer production will reduce dependence on imports, strengthen supply security, and ensure timely availability of fertilizers for farmers across the country.
More Than Half of Annual Fertilizer Requirement Already Secured:
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has estimated the country's annual fertilizer requirement at 383.9 LMT. Against this requirement, the government has already secured 197.56 LMT, representing over 51% of the annual demand.
As of 2 July 2026, fertilizer stocks available in the country include:
The government has assured that fertilizer supplies will continue to be dispatched to states based on their actual demand, ensuring that farmers have timely access to essential inputs without disruption during the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
FAQs:
1. Why has the government increased fertilizer imports?
The government has increased fertilizer imports to ensure uninterrupted fertilizer supply despite global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
2. How many fertilizer vessels have arrived in India?
A total of 15 fertilizer vessels carrying urea, DAP, sulphur, and raw materials have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are reaching Indian ports.
3. Why is urea production increasing in India?
The restoration of 100% natural gas supply has allowed fertilizer plants to operate at full capacity, leading to record urea production.
4. What are the current fertilizer stocks in India?
As of July 2, 2026, India has 69.08 LMT of urea, 16.64 LMT of DAP, 8.90 LMT of MOP, 45.64 LMT of NPK, and 23.09 LMT of SSP in stock.
5. How will these measures benefit farmers?
According to Khetivyapar, higher fertilizer stocks and increased domestic production will ensure timely availability of urea, DAP, and other fertilizers, helping farmers during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
