Geopolitical Risks Addressed as India Locks in Long-Term Fertilizer Raw Material Supplies

Reducing Urea Dependence: ICAR Highlights Balanced Fertilization and Advanced Nutrient Practices Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 2:38PM by PIB Delhi 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&ndash;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 &mdash; 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 : 1751 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी , Gujarati , Telugu Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers : Department of Fertilizers Geopolitical Risks Addressed as India Locks in Long-Term Fertilizer Raw Material Supplies Reducing Urea Dependence: ICAR Highlights Balanced Fertilization and Advanced Nutrient Practices Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 2:38PM by PIB Delhi 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&ndash;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. <span style="