By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : August 26, 2025 9:29 am
The Department of Fertilizers achieves record production growth, strategic global partnerships, and robust subsidy support
The Department of Fertilizers (DoF) continues to ensure timely and adequate availability of fertilizers across India through scientific planning, robust domestic production, and strategic subsidy interventions. Strong governance, proactive enforcement, and farmer-centric policies have maintained comfortable fertilizer availability during the ongoing Kharif 2025 season, despite global supply disruptions.
Over the past decade, India has witnessed a significant transformation in domestic fertilizer production, reflecting the government’s consistent efforts to enhance Atmanirbharta and strengthen national food security. Urea production has risen from 227.15 LMT in 2013-14 to 306.67 LMT in 2024-25, a 35 per cent increase, while the combined production of DAP and NPKS fertilizers have grown from 110.09 LMT to 158.78 LMT, marking a 44 per cent increase.
Global geopolitical challenges, including the Red Sea crisis and ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Iran wars, have impacted international fertilizer supplies and increased prices. In response, the Government of India has proactively secured long-term arrangements with international partners. These include a 25 LMT supply of DAP and TSP from Morocco and a five-year Long-Term Agreement with Saudi Arabia for 31 LMT of DAP annually starting 2025-26.
Owing to these strategic interventions, fertilizer availability has remained more than sufficient for farmers during Kharif 2025. Against a pro-rata requirement of 143 LMT of Urea, 183 LMT are available, with 155 LMT sold so far. DAP availability stands at 49 LMT against a requirement of 45 LMT, with 33 LMT sold, while NPKs availability is 97 LMT against a requirement of 58 LMT, with 64.5 LMT sold. Notably, Urea sales have increased by over 13 LMT compared to the same period last year, without any shortage.
To protect farmers from rising international prices, the government continues to provide substantial subsidies. Urea is available at a statutorily notified MRP of Rs. 242 per 45 kg bag, while DAP is provided at Rs. 1,350 per bag under a special package that reimburses costs, GST, and international price fluctuations, ensuring affordability for farmers.
The DoF also maintains close coordination with state governments, port authorities, railways, and fertilizer companies to address bottlenecks proactively. Since April 2025, 1,99,581 inspections/raids have been conducted, 7,927 showcause notices issued, 3,623 licenses cancelled/suspended, and 311 FIRs registered under the Essential Commodities Act to curb black-marketing, hoarding, overpricing, and diversion.