{"id":99771,"date":"2026-04-23T11:07:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:37:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=99771"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:09:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:39:31","slug":"india-fertiliser-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/india-fertiliser-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"India Fertiliser Crisis: How India Fertiliser Crisis Deepens Amid Iran War and Supply Shocks"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><b>India Fertiliser Crisis Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is facing a sharp rise in fertiliser prices due to supply disruptions triggered by the <\/span><b>US\u2013Israel\u2013Iran conflict<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy and trade route.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s latest urea import tender by Indian Potash Limited saw prices rise to $935\u2013959 per tonne, nearly double the $508\u2013512 per tonne recorded in February by Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Price Rise Across Key Fertilisers<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): Increased from ~$680\u2013720 to ~$865\u2013925 per tonne.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulphur: Jumped from ~$300\u2013550 to ~$900 per tonne.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ammonia: Rose from ~$435 to ~$850\u2013900 per tonne.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The surge affects both finished fertilisers and key raw materials, amplifying overall cost pressures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Supply Chain Disruptions<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closure of the Strait of Hormuz has restricted global shipments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shutdown of facilities by QatarEnergy and Maaden due to Iranian strikes has reduced supply.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is now sourcing from alternative markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, Morocco, and Jordan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, new suppliers must cater to multiple regions, including South America. This has increased competition for limited supplies, further pushing up prices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Kharif Season Fertiliser Challenge in India Amid Supply Disruptions<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The upcoming kharif season, beginning with the southwest monsoon in June, faces a serious fertiliser supply challenge, particularly for urea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During this season:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimated kharif requirement: 19.4 million tonnes (mt)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available stock (early April): ~5.5 mt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This indicates a significant shortfall ahead of peak sowing season.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Dependence on Imports and Gulf Region<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s annual urea consumption: 39\u201340 mt\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Domestic production: 30\u201331 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imports: 9\u201310 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pre-war, ~40% imports came from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 60% of LNG (key input for urea production) sourced from the Gulf.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disruptions in the Gulf region have directly impacted both imports and domestic production.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Impact on Domestic Production<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Normal monthly production: ~2.5 mt\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">March output: ~1.5 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">April expected: ~1.7\u20131.8 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery to normal levels unlikely before June.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LNG supply disruptions have reduced production capacity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Logistical and Import Constraints<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shipment delays due to vessels being stuck near the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deadlines for cargo loading extended due to availability and transit issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both imports and transportation bottlenecks are worsening supply shortages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Relative Position of Other Fertilisers<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better availability for:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOP (Muriate of Potash)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSP (Single Super Phosphate)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complex fertilisers (NPKS-based)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The urea shortage remains the most critical concern.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Outlook: Kharif vs Rabi<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kharif season may be managed with difficulty\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater risk lies in the rabi season, where shortages could intensify<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Addressing India\u2019s Fertiliser Crisis: Alternatives and Policy Options<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India\u2019s fertiliser use is heavily skewed toward a few key products:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urea: ~55% share of total consumption (70\u201371 mt annually)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): ~9\u20139.5 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NPKS Complex Fertilisers: ~14.2 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSP (Single Super Phosphate): ~5\u20135.5 mt\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This dependence makes the system vulnerable to disruptions, especially in urea and DAP.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Shift Toward Alternative Fertilisers<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supply shortages\u2014especially of ammonia\u2014may lead to substitution with other fertilisers, such as:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TSP (Triple Super Phosphate): High phosphorus (46%), no nitrogen\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate): Balanced N and P content\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SSP: Lower phosphorus but contains sulphur\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This shift can help manage nutrient supply despite shortages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Proposal: Fortified Fertilisers<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Industry stakeholders suggest:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coating urea or DAP with micronutrients (zinc, iron, boron, etc.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adding secondary nutrients (sulphur, calcium, magnesium)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relaxing price controls on such fortified products\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved crop yields and nutrient efficiency\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced need for separate micronutrient application\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Greater value for farmers despite higher prices<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Role of Biostimulants in Reducing Fertiliser Dependence<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biostimulants are emerging as a sustainable alternative:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Derived from microbes, seaweed, and organic matter\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not supply nutrients directly but enhance nutrient uptake and efficiency\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Example: Phosphate-solubilising bacteria convert locked soil phosphorus into usable forms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fertilisers often have limited absorption by plants.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biostimulants improve:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutrient availability in soil\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversion into plant biomass and yield\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be blended with chemical fertilisers to reduce overall consumption.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fertiliser crisis may accelerate a shift toward <\/span><b>diversification, innovation, and efficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with alternatives like fortified fertilisers and biostimulants helping India reduce dependence on traditional inputs while sustaining agricultural productivity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/fertiliser-challenge-india-iran-war-10645383\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">IE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India Fertiliser Crisis worsens due to Iran war and supply disruptions. India fertiliser crisis impacts prices, kharif crops, and pushes shift to alternatives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":99793,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[7065,60,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-99771","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-india-fertiliser-crisis","9":"tag-mains-articles","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99771"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99801,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99771\/revisions\/99801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99793"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}