Government Assures Robust Fertiliser Stock for Kharif Season

The Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has assured farmers that adequate fertiliser stocks are available for the upcoming Kharif season , despite global supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia and uncertainties around the Strait of Hormuz .

According to a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau, the government has built a strong buffer stock of major fertilisers through advance procurement and strategic planning. As of March 6, 2026, India’s total fertiliser reserves stand at 177.31 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) , registering a 36.5 per cent increase year-on-year compared with 129.85 LMT during the same period last year.

The stock includes 59.30 LMT of urea, the country’s most widely used fertiliser, along with 25.13 LMT of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and 55.87 LMT of NPK fertilisers. Officials said the higher reserves provide a crucial cushion to ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers during the peak Kharif sowing period .

The government noted that global supply concerns have increased in recent weeks due to geopolitical developments in West Asia. Fertiliser production is closely linked to natural gas availability , as gas is a key input for producing ammonia used in nitrogen-based fertilisers such as urea. India imports a significant portion of its natural gas requirements from countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Australia . Any disruption in major energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz could affect global supply chains.

To strengthen supply security, the government has stepped up imports. About 98 lakh metric tonnes of finished fertilisers have been imported up to February 2026 , while more than 17 lakh metric tonnes are scheduled to arrive over the next three months. India also imports fertilisers and raw materials from countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Morocco and Jordan.

In addition, Indian companies have secured long-term supply agreements for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers , which are largely import dependent.

During a high-level review meeting , the government assured fertiliser manufacturers that natural gas allocation to the sector remains a national priority . Fertiliser companies have also advanced their plant maintenance schedules to March to optimise production planning during the lean demand period.

The Department of Fertilizers, in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said it is closely monitoring global energy markets and import logistics to ensure timely supplies. Farmers have been urged to proceed with Kharif crop preparations without panic , as the country remains well-stocked with fertilisers.