A sharp rise in chemical fertiliser and pesticide prices across Tamil Nadu has deepened concerns among farming communities, with cultivators warning that surging input costs could severely strain agricultural operations ahead of the critical Aadi Pattam and Kuruvai cropping seasons. The price increases, recorded between late May and June 2025, have hit farmers in the Cauvery delta and other key agricultural belts at the worst possible time — just as seasonal sowing preparations begin.

How Much Prices Have Risen

According to farmer organisations, the cost of potash has climbed from ₹1,800 to ₹2,200 per bag, while super phosphate has gone up from ₹600 to ₹800. The complex fertiliser factomfos has jumped from ₹1,500 to ₹2,100, and ammonium sulphate has risen from ₹950 to ₹1,400. These increases range from 33% to 47% within a matter of weeks, placing a disproportionate burden on small and marginal cultivators who operate on thin margins.

Why Farmers Are Now More Exposed

K. Balakrishnan, Secretary of the agricultural wing of Kausika Neerkarangal, pointed to a structural shift in the fertiliser subsidy mechanism as the root cause. He noted that until a few years ago, the Union government maintained Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) for most fertilisers and absorbed global price increases through direct subsidies to manufacturers.

'Farmers were largely insulated from international price volatility under the earlier system. Now, only urea and DAP continue to receive extensive price support, while subsidies for several other fertilisers are fixed. As a result, any increase in global prices is directly reflected in retail prices paid by farmers,' Balakrishnan said.

This policy shift means that fluctuations in international commodity markets — driven by factors entirely outside the control of Indian farmers — now translate almost immediately into higher costs at the farm gate. Farmer representatives fear the additional burden could push many small and marginal cultivators into debt ahead of the sowing season.

What Farmer Organisations Are Demanding

Agricultural groups have urged the Centre to restore stronger subsidy support and stabilise fertiliser prices. They have also called on the Tamil Nadu government to raise Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for agricultural produce and promote farming practices that reduce dependence on chemical inputs.

In addition, organisations have sought greater emphasis on sustainable farming, recommending training programmes to help farmers produce low-cost organic inputs on their own farms. They have called for agricultural extension officers to be trained by institutions including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

Government Response and Ongoing Initiatives

Agriculture Department officials acknowledged the fertiliser price increases, attributing them largely to prevailing global market conditions. While officials noted that direct price regulation remains difficult, they said awareness campaigns under the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' — launched on 1 June — are encouraging farmers to adopt organic alternatives and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.

This comes amid a broader national conversation about agricultural input costs, with farm distress a persistent concern in several states heading into the Kharif season. With sowing activities set to gather pace in the coming weeks, farmers say timely intervention is essential to prevent rising cultivation costs from undermining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.