Fertilizer Availability Strong as Kharif Season Nears

New Delhi has moved quickly to reassure farmers that fertilizer supplies are steady and ample for the coming Kharif season. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers reported that current stocks represent more than half of the annual requirement, putting the nation in a comfortable position. Additional Secretary Aparna S. Sharma noted that production and imports have both held firm even as tensions in the Middle East continue. With 200.12 lakh metric tonnes already in reserve against a projected demand of 390.54 lakh metric tonnes, India maintains a healthy buffer. The combined effect of domestic output and imports has boosted availability by 117.6 lakh metric tonnes. Major products secured include 13.5 lakh metric tonnes of DAP and 9 lakh metric tonnes of NPK. Urea production reached 57.66 lakh metric tonnes with imports adding another 13.60 lakh metric tonnes. DAP output stood at 7.93 lakh metric tonnes alongside modest imports of 0.88 lakh metric tonnes. NPK manufacturing contributed 18.71 lakh metric tonnes while imports added 4.44 lakh metric tonnes. SSP production hit 10.70 lakh metric tonnes with zero imports, and MOP imports totaled 3.68 lakh metric tonnes. The department is conducting regular reviews of raw material supplies to prevent any future disruptions.