India fertiliser stocks at 51% of annual need, govt rules out shortage
Synopsis
India's fertiliser buffer is sitting at 51% of annual requirement — nearly double the conventional 33% benchmark — just ahead of the critical kharif sowing season. With 200.12 lakh metric tonnes in stock and strong domestic production plus imports, the government is signalling that farmers will not face any supply crunch this year.
Key Takeaways
India's fertiliser stocks stand at 200.12 lakh metric tonnes , over 51% of the annual requirement of 390.54 lakh metric tonnes .
The current buffer is well above the usual benchmark of 33% , according to Aparna S.
Sharma , Additional Secretary, Department of Fertilisers.
Domestic production totals approximately 95 lakh metric tonnes ; imports add another 22.60 lakh metric tonnes .
The government has secured 13.5 lakh metric tonnes of DAP and 9 lakh metric tonnes of NPK ahead of the peak kharif season .
MOP (muriate of potash) remains fully import-dependent, with 3.68 lakh metric tonnes procured from overseas.
India's fertiliser supply position is stable and well above historical norms, with current stocks at 200.12 lakh metric tonnes — representing more than 51 per cent of the annual requirement of 390.54 lakh metric tonnes, the government said on Monday, 25 May. The figure is significantly higher than the usual benchmark of around 33 per cent, effectively ruling out any near-term shortage concern.
Production and Imports Holding Strong
According to Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertilisers, domestic production and imports have remained robust in the post-crisis period. Total domestic production has reached approximately 95 lakh metric tonnes, while imports of around 22.60 lakh metric tonnes have further bolstered supplies. Combined, about 117.6 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser have been added to the overall availability base.
Sharma noted that raw material availability for fertiliser production also remains comfortable and is under regular departmental review.
Key Fertiliser Category Breakdown
Category-wise data reveals a diversified supply picture. Urea — the most widely used fertiliser in India — recorded domestic production of 57.66 lakh metric tonnes supplemented by imports of 13.60 lakh metric tonnes. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) production stood at 7.93 lakh metric tonnes with imports of 0.88 lakh metric tonnes.
NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) complex fertilisers saw domestic production of 18.71 lakh metric tonnes and imports of 4.44 lakh metric tonnes. Single super phosphate (SSP) production was 10.70 lakh metric tonnes with no imports. Muriate of potash (MOP), however, remains entirely import-dependent, with 3.68 lakh metric tonnes procured from overseas and no domestic production.
Kharif Season Preparedness
The government has secured adequate quantities of critical inputs ahead of the upcoming peak kharif season. This includes 13.5 lakh metric tonnes of DAP and 9 lakh metric tonnes of NPK complex fertilisers, both essential for the summer-sown crop cycle that typically begins in June.
This comes amid broader concerns about global supply chain disruptions affecting agricultural inputs in several countries. India's buffer — nearly 1.5 times the conventional stock benchmark — suggests the Centre has proactively built reserves to insulate farmers from external volatility.
What This Means for Farmers
For the country's farming community, the assurance is timely. Kharif crops including paddy, maize, and pulses are heavily dependent on timely fertiliser access at the start of the sowing season. A supply shortfall at this stage can directly affect crop yields and, by extension, food inflation. The government's data indicates that distribution pipelines are adequately stocked to meet demand across states.
The Department of Fertilisers is expected to continue monitoring stock levels and raw material pipelines on a rolling basis as the season progresses.
Point of View
But the MOP dependency flag deserves closer scrutiny — India imports every tonne of muriate of potash it uses, leaving one critical input entirely exposed to geopolitical and freight disruptions. The broader buffer looks healthy today, but it was built partly on a post-crisis import surge, which means the real test is whether domestic production capacity is expanding or whether India is simply buying its way to comfort. With global fertiliser prices still volatile and the kharif season imminent, the government's rolling review mechanism will matter more than any single stock snapshot.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fertiliser shortage in India in 2025?
No. The government confirmed on 25 May 2025 that fertiliser stocks stand at 200.12 lakh metric tonnes, accounting for over 51% of the annual requirement — well above the standard 33% benchmark. Officials have ruled out any near-term shortage.
How much fertiliser has India produced and imported so far in 2025?
Domestic production has reached approximately 95 lakh metric tonnes, while imports of around 22.60 lakh metric tonnes have further strengthened supplies, bringing the total addition to the availability base to about 117.6 lakh metric tonnes.
Is India prepared for the kharif season 2025 in terms of fertiliser supply?
Yes. The government has secured 13.5 lakh metric tonnes of DAP and 9 lakh metric tonnes of NPK complex fertilisers specifically for the upcoming kharif season. Urea stocks are also well above normal levels.
Which fertiliser is India fully dependent on imports for?
Muriate of potash (MOP) is entirely import-dependent. India has procured 3.68 lakh metric tonnes of MOP from overseas, with no domestic production reported for this category.
What is the annual fertiliser requirement assessment for India in 2025?
The annual requirement assessment for 2025 stands at 390.54 lakh metric tonnes, against which current stocks of 200.12 lakh metric tonnes represent a coverage of more than 51%.
