India Imports 25 Lakh Tonnes Urea Amid Global Disruptions

India has taken steps to boost its fertiliser supply by importing 25.08 lakh tonnes of urea and 7.11 lakh tonnes of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) during the first quarter of this fiscal.

According to the government data, the total fertiliser production stood at 115.72 lakh tonnes during April-June, with urea production at 71.55 lakh tonnes and DAP output at 9.84 lakh tonnes.

Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda informed the Lok Sabha that the government has undertaken sustained efforts to diversify import sources to mitigate risks arising from global supply chain disruptions.

The government has facilitated long-term commercial arrangements between Indian fertiliser companies and overseas suppliers to strengthen fertiliser supply security.

The Department of Fertilizers has engaged with Indian Missions abroad to identify and explore alternative sources of supply from various countries, reducing dependence on any single country, including China.

Indian companies have been actively diversifying and sourcing water soluble fertilisers from alternative suppliers in Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and the USA to offset the shortfall caused by reduced imports from China.

To mitigate global disruptions and ensure uninterrupted supply of fertilisers, Long Term Agreements (LTA) have been finalised between Indian fertiliser companies and Saudi Arabian companies for the annual supply of about 31 lakh tonnes of DAP to India.

Similarly, Indian fertiliser companies have entered into agreements with Russian suppliers for the import of about 26.50 lakh tonnes of DAP/NPK fertilisers this year.

Moreover, for the supply of MOP (muriate of potash), Indian companies have finalised agreements for 4.80 lakh tonnes this year from Russia, Germany, and Turkmenistan.

The total fertiliser production in the 2025-26 fiscal stood at 517.74 lakh tonnes, with urea imports at 103.50 lakh tonnes and DAP imports at 61.94 lakh tonnes.

The government's efforts to diversify import sources and facilitate long-term commercial arrangements have helped to ensure a steady supply of fertilisers in the country.

This move is expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector, which is a significant contributor to India's economy.

The government's proactive approach to addressing global supply chain disruptions has helped to mitigate the risks associated with fertiliser imports, ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary inputs to maintain productivity.