India imported 49.72 LMT of DAP in 24-25

The Department of Fertilizers launches ‘Maha Abhiyan’ for Nano DAP adoption across 15 agro-climatic zones

Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), listed under Open General License (OGL); fertilizer companies are free to import and manufacture based on business needs.

According to Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, India imported 56.71 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) DAP in 2023-24. The country imported 49.72 LMT of DAP in 2024-25. 

In October 2021, China revised its catalogue of commodities requiring mandatory additional inspection before exporting fertilizer-related items, including DAP. Under the NBS Scheme, fertilizer companies set the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) based on market dynamics at a reasonable level, monitored by the Government.

To ensure smooth and affordable supply, special provisions have been introduced for the Kharif 2025 season, including Rs. 3,500 per MT to cover ‘Other Costs’—such as expenses from factory gate to farm gate, fluctuations due to international price changes, GST components included in the MRP, and a reasonable return of 4% on net MRP (MRP minus GST). These provisions apply to both imported and domestic DAP, as well as imported TSP, in addition to the existing NBS subsidy.

To reduce import dependency and promote nutrient self-sufficiency, India is actively encouraging the development and adoption of innovative fertilizers such as nano-fertilizers (e.g., nano-urea), customized and fortified fertilizers (e.g., sulphur-coated urea, zinc-enriched DAP), biofertilizers, and slow- or controlled-release formulations. These innovations improve nutrient use efficiency, lower application rates, and minimize nutrient losses, thereby reducing the demand for imported fertilizers.

Under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, the Government of India has notified several Nano Nitrogen fertilizers. This includes IFFCO's nano urea plus containing 16% nitrogen, Zuari Farm Hub's nano urea (8%) and Ray Nano & Research Centre's nano urea (4.4%), notified on 6 March 2023 (S.O. 1144(E))

To promote Nano Fertilizer usage among farmers, numerous initiatives such as awareness camps, webinars, nukkad nataks, field demonstrations, Kisan Sammelans, and regional language film screenings have been undertaken. Nano Fertilizers, including Nano Urea, are being distributed through Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendras (PMKSKs) by concerned companies and are included in the monthly supply plans issued by the Department of Fertilizers.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), via the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, recently organized a national campaign on the “Efficient and Balanced Use of Fertilizers (including Nano-fertilizers).” To facilitate foliar application, initiatives like the deployment of ‘Kisan Drones’ and distribution of battery-operated sprayers at retail points are underway. Pilot training and custom hiring of spraying services through Village Level Entrepreneurs are also being actively promoted.

Furthermore, the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), in collaboration with fertilizer companies, has launched a ‘Maha Abhiyan’ to promote the adoption of Nano DAP across all 15 agro-climatic zones through stakeholder consultations and field-level demonstrations. A campaign for field demonstrations and awareness on Nano Urea Plus has also been launched across 100 districts nationwide.

This information was provided by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.