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India’s Fertiliser Supply Strong, Exceeds Demand Across All Key Nutrients

The Indian government has dismissed claims of fertiliser shortages, stating that availability consistently exceeds requirement across all major nutrients. During the Rabi 2025-26 season, urea availability stood at 257.59 LMT against a requirement of 196.06 LMT, with DAP and other fertilisers also showing comfortable surpluses. For the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, 46% of the estimated requirement is already available as opening stock, significantly higher than the usual 33%. The government has also taken proactive steps including global tenders for urea and coordination with states to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution.

Key Points: India’s Fertiliser Supply Strong, Exceeds Demand

  • Urea availability at 257.59 LMT against 196.06 LMT requirement in Rabi 2025-26
  • DAP availability 75.40 LMT vs 53.43 LMT requirement
  • 46% of Kharif 2026 requirement already available as opening stock
  • Government warns against hoarding and black marketing
2 min read

Fertiliser supply strong, stable and above requirement across India: Govt

Government dismisses shortage claims, reports fertiliser availability consistently exceeding requirement during Rabi and ongoing Kharif season.

"India's fertiliser security remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with availability consistently exceeding requirement across all major fertilisers. - Department of Fertilisers"

New Delhi, April 24

India's fertiliser security remains strong, stable and well-managed, with availability consistently exceeding requirement across all major fertilisers, the government said on Friday, dismissing recent claims of shortages as unfounded.

According to the Department of Fertilisers, data from the recently concluded Rabi 2025-26 season, as well as the ongoing financial year, indicate a comfortable and well-buffered supply position across the country.

"The Department of Fertilisers has reaffirmed that India's fertiliser security remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with availability consistently exceeding requirement across all major fertilisers," the government said.

During the Rabi season from October 2025 to March 2026, fertiliser availability significantly outpaced demand across all key nutrients.

Urea availability stood at 257.59 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) against a requirement of 196.06 LMT, while DAP availability was 75.40 LMT compared to a requirement of 53.43 LMT.

Similarly, MOP, NPK, and SSP supplies were also higher than demand, underscoring robust inventory levels nationwide.

The strong supply momentum has continued into the current financial year. Between April 1 and April 23, 2026, availability remained substantially above requirement -- indicating a solid opening position for the upcoming Kharif season.

Urea availability during this period was 69.33 LMT against a requirement of 18.17 LMT, while DAP, MOP, NPK and SSP also recorded multiple times higher availability compared to their respective requirements.

The government said that for the Kharif 2026 season, fertiliser requirement has been estimated at 390.54 LMT, of which around 180 LMT, or 46 per cent, 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 ensure seamless distribution, state governments are in continuous coordination with the Centre to monitor fertiliser movement and availability at the district level.

States have also been advised to take strict action against diversion, hoarding, black marketing and panic mongering to ensure timely and equitable access for farmers.

On the global front, the government has taken proactive steps to secure supplies amid rising international uncertainties.

Indian missions abroad are working to facilitate alternative sourcing, while around 25 LMT of urea has been secured through global tenders.

Additionally, issues related to natural gas supply for domestic urea production have been addressed, with steady fuel availability being ensured to fertiliser plants.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

K
Karthik V
The numbers look impressive: 257 LMT urea available vs 196 LMT requirement. But why do we still hear stories of farmers queuing up for hours or paying above MRP in some states? Either the distribution is patchy or there's black marketing happening. The government's advisory against hoarding and panic mongering is welcome, but strict enforcement is key.
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Lakshmi X
As a small farmer in Telangana, I just hope this translates to affordable prices. We're already struggling with rising input costs. The global tenders for urea are a smart move – international uncertainty is real. But why can't we boost domestic production more? Steady gas supply to plants is a good start, but we need long-term self-reliance. 😊
D
David E
Interesting news from an economic perspective. India's fertilizer management seems more robust than many developing nations. The 46% pre-season stock is impressive compared to the usual 33%. I'm curious how this will impact food inflation and export competitiveness. If we can stabilize input costs, our agricultural exports might get a boost in global markets. Smart planning by the ministry.
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Pooja D
Respectfully, I appreciate the data but remain cautious. My father is a farmer in Maharashtra and last year during kharif, despite official claims of sufficient supply, we had to pay ₹50 extra per bag for DAP because local dealers hoarded. The coordination between states mentioned here needs to be more than just advisory – perhaps a real-time tracking app for farmers? Good intentions but implementation matters more.
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Ajay M
This is reassuring! The Rabi season numbers

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