New Delhi: The Government of India has officially dismissed reports of fertiliser shortages, reaffirming that the nation’s supply remains robust, stable, and meticulously managed. Data released by the Department of Fertilizers for the recently concluded Rabi 2025–26 season (October to March) reveals that availability significantly outpaced demand across all major nutrient categories. Urea availability reached 257.59 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) against a requirement of 196.06 LMT, while Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) availability stood at 75.40 LMT against a demand of 53.43 LMT. Similar surpluses were recorded for MOP, NPK, and SSP, indicating that the agricultural sector was well-buffered throughout the winter cropping cycle.
The positive supply trend has extended into the current financial year, with data from April 1 to April 23, 2026, showing that stocks remain well above immediate requirements. Urea stocks are currently at 69.33 LMT against a requirement of 18.17 LMT, and DAP availability is nearly four times the current demand. For the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, the government has estimated a total requirement of 390.54 LMT, of which approximately 46 per cent is already available as opening stock. This advance stocking level is notably higher than the typical pre-season average of 33 per cent, reflecting enhanced logistics and strategic planning.
To safeguard farmers from international price volatility, the government continues to provide heavy subsidies. Despite global urea prices surging beyond 4,000 INR per bag, the domestic price remains fixed at a highly subsidized rate of 266.50 INR per 45 kg bag. The Department of Fertilizers has secured international supplies through global tenders for approximately 25 LMT of urea and is leveraging Indian diplomatic missions to explore alternative sourcing options. Domestically, production has been stabilized by ensuring a steady supply of natural gas and additional LNG arrangements.
State authorities have been directed to maintain a vigilant stance against hoarding, black marketing, and the spread of misinformation that could lead to panic buying. The Department of Fertilizers is working in tandem with State Agriculture Secretaries to monitor district-level distribution, ensuring that every farmer has equitable and timely access to essential nutrients. The government reiterated that the fertiliser ecosystem is resilient and well-equipped to support the country’s agricultural productivity in the months ahead.
