India has “ample” stocks of fertilizers to meet demand for the upcoming Kharif sowing season , the government said on Monday (May 11, 2026), as it appealed to farmers not to engage in panic buying.
In an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia (which have raised concerns about global supply chains), Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers, informed that the government is importing urea as well as other soil nutrients to supplement domestic production and ensure adequate availability during the upcoming Kharif (summer-sown) season.
“The Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of major fertilizers have remained constant,” she said.
Stock Position: 51% of Demand, Higher Than Usual
The Additional Secretary informed that as on date for the season of Kharif 2026 , based on the fertilizer requirement assessed by the Department of Agriculture, the stock is more than 51 per cent.
She noted that the stock position is significantly higher than the usual level , which is 33 per cent of demand.
The Department of Agriculture has assessed the fertilizer requirement for Kharif 2026 at 390.54 lakh tonnes.
“So the fertilizer stock is comfortable, and the MRP of major fertilizer remains very much the same,” Ms. Sharma said.
Production and Imports After the Crisis Period
After the crisis period (referring to global supply disruptions), Ms. Sharma said domestic production was 76.78 lakh tonnes while imports were 19.94 lakh tonnes.
“So a total of 97 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer has been added to the availability after the crisis situation,” the Additional Secretary informed.
Elaborating, Ms. Sharma said India has secured:
- 7 lakh tonnes of NPK complexes from global sources
- 12 lakh tonnes of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate)
- 4 lakh tonnes of triple super phosphate
- 3 lakh tonnes of ammonium sulfate
“This will ensure adequate availability for the peak season that will start in about 15-20 days time,” she said.
Urea and DAP Prices: What Farmers Will Pay
Asked about the price of fertilizers, Ms. Sharma said the rate of urea bag is fixed, while the price of DAP right now is ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag. The MRPs of other complexes are free.
At present, the MRP of neem-coated Urea is ₹242 per bag (45kg).
This price has remained steady even as global prices have fluctuated. Ms. Sharma pointed out that the price of some fertilizers, like urea, has nearly doubled in the global market. The government is absorbing these costs through subsidies to protect farmers.
Government’s Appeal: No Need for Panic Buying
“There has been some panic buying initially. Our appeal is that ample stock is available,” Ms. Sharma said.
“About 51% of the stock for the season is available. More imports are in pipeline and the production is as per the normal schedule.”
She emphasized that the Central and State governments are making efforts to promote the balanced use of fertilizers and curb excessive use. States are taking action to curb hoarding and check the diversion of soil nutrients for commercial use.
“India’s fertilizer security remains comfortable and well managed,” Ms. Sharma said.
Monthly Production Figures
Last week, the Department of Fertilizers informed that domestic production for March-April 2026 stood at 67.76 lakh tonnes , comprising:
- Urea: 40.72 lakh tonnes
- Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP): 5.39 lakh tonnes
- NPK: 13.65 lakh tonnes
- SSP (Single Super Phosphate): 8 lakh tonnes
Urea plants are running in full steam while P&K (phosphatic and potassic) fertilizers are also being produced in the country.
Steps to Prevent Hoarding and Diversion
States have also taken several steps to check diversion and hoarding of fertilizers.
“Regarding the demand management measures, the State level already efforts are being made, and we have the State level interventions to ensure that the fertilizers are not misused or hoarded, or they are not black-marketed,” she said.
That apart, Ms. Sharma said the use of alternative fertilizers is already being promoted through agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (farm science centers).
“So the efforts are being made at the State level to ensure that balanced use of fertilizer is done and the excessive use is curtailed,” she added.
Subsidy and Liquidity for Fertilizer Companies
The government will be clearing subsidy bills in due course to maintain the liquidity of fertilizer companies.
In the Budget this year (presented earlier in 2026), the Centre projected fertilizer subsidy at ₹1,70,805 crore for 2026-27. The subsidy bill is likely to rise due to costlier imports.
Despite the increased global prices, the government has chosen to keep MRPs stable for farmers. This means the government’s subsidy burden will increase — but farmers will not face higher prices at the point of purchase.
Long-Term Trends: India’s Urea Production Growth
India’s urea production has increased significantly over the past decade:
- 2014-15: 225 lakh tonnes
- 2024-25: 306.67 lakh tonnes
Despite this growth, India still imports fertilizer to meet domestic demand. The country imported more than 100 lakh tonnes of urea last fiscal year to meet local demand.
Why This Matters: The Kharif Season
The Kharif season (summer-sown crops) is critical for Indian agriculture. Crops sown during Kharif include:
- Rice (paddy)
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
- Pulses (like tur/arhar)
- Oilseeds (like soybean, groundnut)
- Coarse grains (like maize, bajra)
Farmers typically begin sowing in June-July , depending on the onset of the monsoon. Fertilizer availability at the right time and at affordable prices is essential for a successful harvest.
If farmers panic-buy or hoard fertilizers, it could create localized shortages and drive up black-market prices. The government’s appeal is aimed at preventing exactly this scenario.
The Global Context: West Asia Tensions
The inter-ministerial briefing was held in the context of recent developments in West Asia — specifically, the ongoing conflict in the region that has disrupted shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz (through which a significant portion of global fertilizer inputs, such as ammonia and sulfur, pass).
India has responded by:
- Securing imports from diverse global sources
- Ramping up domestic production
- Maintaining strategic stockpiles
Ms. Sharma noted that an empowered group of secretaries is reviewing the situation on a weekly basis to ensure no disruptions.
Regarding Ammonia and Sulphur Availability
Regarding the availability of ammonia and sulfur (key inputs for fertilizer production), Ms. Sharma said the government is doing its best to ensure the management of surplus ammonia.
These inputs are often imported, and global supply disruptions could affect domestic production. However, the government has assured that current stocks and secured imports will meet demand for the peak season.
