Ziraat Times News Desk
New Delhi, March 6: The Department of Fertilizers India has assured farmers that the country has sufficient fertilizer stocks for the upcoming Kharif cropping season, despite concerns over global supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia and risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement issued Thursday, the department said India’s fertilizer inventory remains robust and secure, supported by advance stocking and strategic imports aimed at protecting farmers from global market volatility.
Fertilizer stocks rise sharply
According to official data, India’s total fertilizer reserves have increased 36.5% year-on-year, rising from 129.85 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) on March 6, 2025, to 177.31 LMT currently. The stockpile includes 59.30 LMT of urea, 25.13 LMT of diammonium phosphate (DAP), and 55.87 LMT of NPK fertilizers, all significantly higher than levels recorded at the same time last year.
Officials said the higher inventory provides a critical buffer to ensure smooth supply during the peak sowing period and shields domestic agriculture from potential global supply chain disruptions.
Strong import pipeline
The government has also secured large fertilizer imports to maintain stable supplies. So far, 9.8 million tonnes of finished fertilizers have been imported up to February 2026, while an additional 1.7 million tonnes are scheduled to arrive over the next three months.
In addition, Indian companies have signed long-term supply agreements with major international producers for phosphatic and potassic fertilizers to reduce exposure to price volatility and supply risks in global markets.
Government monitoring energy supply
The government has also prioritized natural gas supplies for fertilizer plants, given the strain in global LNG markets. During a recent high-level review, officials reaffirmed that fertilizer production and farm supply chains remain a national priority.
The department said fertilizer companies are advancing their annual plant maintenance schedules to March, traditionally a low-demand period, to ensure maximum production capacity ahead of the Kharif season.
Farmers urged not to panic
Authorities said they are closely coordinating with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas India to monitor global energy and logistics developments in real time. Farmers have been urged to continue preparing for the Kharif season without concern over fertilizer availability.
