Low Fertilizer Stock May Pose Challenges for Kharif Season

25-Apr-2025 11:20 AM

New Delhi. India is facing a potential fertilizer crisis ahead of the 2025 Kharif season, with stock levels at their lowest in three years as of early April.

This shortfall may create significant hurdles in ensuring adequate supply and timely availability of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

During the 2024-25 financial year, the domestic usage of chemical fertilizers rose by 9%, and the demand for the upcoming Kharif season is projected to increase by 3.2% compared to last year.

The total expected demand this season is 330.03 lakh tonnes, including 185.40 lakh tonnes of urea, 57 lakh tonnes of DAP, 11.13 lakh tonnes of MOP, and 76.51 lakh tonnes of complex fertilizers.

However, as of April 1, 2025, only 107.98 lakh tonnes of fertilizers were in stock—25% lower than the 144.10 lakh tonnes recorded on the same date in 2024. This downward trend is concerning, especially as sowing of Kharif crops like paddy, pulses, oilseeds, coarse grains, and cotton begins with the onset of monsoon in June.

The Central Government is actively working to curb excessive use and encourage balanced fertilization, but despite these efforts, consumption continues to rise.

While imports and domestic production are ongoing, experts warn that there may not be sufficient time to replenish stocks before the crucial sowing period.

With cotton sowing already underway in some regions and other Kharif crops following soon, the fertilizer shortfall could strain the agricultural supply chain and potentially impact crop productivity and farmer earnings.