India, March 27 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Sl. No.
Raw material/ Intermediates
Estimated share of import (%)
1.
Rock phosphate
86.0
2.
Sulphur
52.0
3.
Natural Gas for Urea Sector
78.0
4.
Ammonia for Complex Fertilisers
75.0
5.
Phosphoric Acid
52.0
6.
Muriate of Potash
100.0
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
Ostwal
JPMC
Rock Phosphate
5,00,000
10 yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
PPL
OCP
Rock Phosphate
16,00,000 to 18,00,000
10yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
FACT
SNPT
Rock Phosphate
2,40,000 (non-binding)
3 yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
RCF
M/s. Atlantic Minerals SARL
Rock Phosphate
1,50,000 (non-binding)
3 yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
PPL
OCP
Phosphoric acid
3,00,000 to 3,50,000
Yearly
Indorama
OCP
Phosphoric Acid
1,20,000 MT of P2O5
Ongoing, signed on 01.06.2021
Total:
4,20,000 to 4,70,000
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
GSFC
TIFERT
Phosphoric Acid
1,80,000
30yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
IFFCO
ICS
Phosphoric Acid
5,50,000
34 years
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
CIL
MA'ADEN
Ammonia
6,00,000 (+/-10%)
3yrs
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
PPL
East West General Trading, Dubai
Ammonia
3,50,000
3 years
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
Indorama
ITOCHU
Ammonia
15,000 - 60,000 MT
1 yr
Indian Company
Counterpart company
Product
Annual Quantity (MT)
Duration (Years)
PPL
Itochu Corporation
Ammonia
50,000 to 90,000
1 Year
(01-01-25 to 31-12-25)
May 2022 to April 2032
(31-Dec-23 to
10.02.2025 to 09.01.2028
2025 to 2028
(Quarterly renewal Agreement)
(21/08/2006 to 21/08/2036)
Started: 17-May-99
(01/01/2024 to 31/12/2026)
01-Aug-24 to 31-Jul-27
(01.01.25 to 31.12.25)
30-Nov-33)
The Government of India has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the availability of fertilizers while addressing challenges of import dependence and soil nutrient imbalance. In a reply to a Starred Question in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, provided details of ongoing measures.
Securing Fertilizer Raw Materials through Strategic Partnerships India continues to rely significantly on imports for key fertilizer raw materials and intermediates due to limited domestic reserves . To mitigate geopolitical disruptions, the Department of Fertilizers has facilitated several Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with resource-rich nations to ensure a stable supply for domestic production. Details of LTAs is attached as Annexure-I.
Estimated Import Share of Key Raw Materials (2024-25):
(Source: Fertilizer Association of India)
To achieve domestic substitution, the Government is encouraging capacity expansion under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme . Fertilizer companies are currently establishing new DAP/NPK plants with a combined annual capacity of 59.65 LMT, alongside phosphoric and sulphuric acid plants with a capacity of 44.21 LMT . Furthermore, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, a provision has been made for the procurement of 7.24 LMT of Green Ammonia for the fertilizer sector.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recommends soil test-based balanced fertilization, ensuring that nutrients are applied according to the actual needs of the crops and supplementing soil nutrients. This is complemented by the balanced application of NPK fertilizers rather than excessive reliance on nitrogen alone. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is promoted through the combined use of inorganic fertilizers and organic sources such as manure, compost, green manure, biofertilizers, and crop residue recycling, which helps maintain soil health and reduce chemical fertilizer dependency.
Efficient fertilizer use is encouraged through practices such as split application of nitrogen, proper placement of fertilizers, and the use of slow-release fertilizers, neem-coated urea, and nitrification inhibitors to minimize nutrient losses. The use of biofertilizers and adoption of organic farming practices further support sustainable nutrient supply and reduce urea consumption. In addition, proper soil and water management practices enhance nutrient use efficiency and prevent losses through leaching and runoff.
ICAR also engaged in capacity building through farmer training, demonstrations, and awareness programs that plays an important role in promoting these practices. Together, these measures help reduce excessive urea consumption, ensure balanced nutrient application, and improve soil health while protecting the environment.
Annexure-I
Rock Phosphate:
Jordan
Morocco
Togo
Mauritania
2. Phosphoric Acid:
Morocco
Tunisia
Senegal
3. Ammonia
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Japan
Malaysia
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
