India has “ample” stocks of fertilisers to meet demand for the upcoming Kharif sowing season, the government said on Monday, as it appealed to farmers not to engage in panic buying.
In an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Aparna S Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilisers, said the government is importing urea as well as other soil nutrients to supplement domestic production and ensure adequate availability during the upcoming Kharif (summer-sown) season. The maximum retail prices (MRP) of major fertilisers have remained constant, she said.
Sharma emphasised that the Central and state governments are making efforts to promote the balanced use of fertilisers and curb excessive use. States are taking action to curb hoarding and check the diversion of soil nutrients for commercial use. “India’s fertiliser security remains comfortable and well managed,” Sharma said.
The additional secretary informed that “as on date for the season of Kharif 2026, based on the fertiliser requirement that has been assessed by the Department of Agriculture, the stock is more than 51 per cent”. She noted that the stock position is significantly higher than the usual level, which is 33 per cent of the demand.
The Department of Agriculture has assessed the fertiliser requirement for kharif 2026 at 390.54 lakh tonnes. “So the fertiliser stock is comfortable, and the MRP of major fertiliser remains very much the same,” Sharma said.
After the crisis period, she said the domestic production was 76.78 lakh tonnes while imports were 19.94 lakh tonnes. “So, a total of 97 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers has been added to the availability after the crisis situation,” the additional secretary said.
Elaborating, Sharma said India has secured 7 lakh tonnes of NPK complexes from global sources. “Further 12 lakh tonnes of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate), 4 lakh tonnes of triple super phosphate, and 3 lakh tonnes of ammonium sulfate have been secured for the country. This will ensure adequate availability for the peak season that will start in about 15-20 days,” she said.
Sharma said an empowered group of secretaries is reviewing the situation on a weekly basis. Last week, the Department of Fertilisers said domestic production for March-April stood at 67.76 lakh tonnes. comprising urea (40.72 lakh tonnes), di ammonium phosphate (5.39 lakh tonnes), NPK (13.65 lakh tonnes) and SSP (8 lakh tonnes).
Asked about the price of fertilisers, Sharma said the rate of urea bag is fixed, while the price of DAP right now is at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag. The MRPs of other complexes are free. At present, the MRP of neem-coated urea is Rs 242 per bag (45 kg).
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