India Ensures Ample Fertiliser Stocks to Meet Farmers' Needs Amid Crisis

The country currently holds a comfortable stock of 199.65 LMT, covering more than 51 per cent of the seasonal demand, which is a sharp increase from the usual buffer levels of approximately 33 per cent at this time of the year. This reflects improved advance stocking and efficient logistics management, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertilisers, Aparna S. Sharma, said at a press conference here.

Following a recent crisis period, domestic production and imports have been scaled up rapidly, adding approximately 97 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) to the total availability. Domestic production alone contributed 76.78 LMT, while imports reaching Indian ports accounted for 19.94 LMT, she explained.

To ensure zero shortage during peak demand, Indian fertiliser companies have initiated aggregated global tenders for 12 LMT of DAP, 4 LMT of TSP, and 3 LMT of ammonium sulphate. Additionally, tenders for raw materials, including 5.36 LMT of Ammonia and 5.94 LMT of Sulphur, are currently in progress, Sharma said.

The government also confirmed that approximately 7 LMT of NPKs secured from outside SOH are expected to arrive at Indian ports through May and June.

In a major relief for the farming community, the government announced there is no change in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of major fertilisers. The Department of Fertilisers continues to review input availability for Urea and P&K production regularly and is clearing subsidy bills on a weekly basis to maintain supply chain liquidity.

The Empowered Group of Secretaries has held eight meetings to date to navigate availability challenges, ensuring that farmers receive fertilisers at affordable rates without disruption.

- IANS