India's Fertilizer Production and Security Achievements 2014-2026
Under the Modi government's leadership, the Department of Fertilizers has achieved significant milestones in transforming India into a self-reliant fertilizer hub. Domestic urea production surged from 225 LMT in 2014-15 to a record 314.07 LMT in 2023-24, with 2024-25 production remaining strong at 306.67 LMT. Six new mega urea plants established since 2014 added 76.2 lakh metric tonnes annual capacity, with two more plants totaling 25.4 LMT capacity set to commence production shortly.
Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizer manufacturing reached a historic high of 211.22 LMT in 2024-25, significantly up from 159.54 LMT in 2014-15, with both public and private sectors constructing state-of-the-art production plants. Despite severe geopolitical conflicts in West Asia causing skyrocketing prices, acute natural gas shortages, and heavily delayed shipping lines, the government mounted a proactive response including alternative transit routes around the Strait of Hormuz and diplomatic engagement with global producers.
Strategic Buffer Stock and Crisis Management
For the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, India holds an unprecedented opening stock of approximately 200.98 LMT against a projected total requirement of 383.9 LMT reassessed by DA&FW, representing over 51% advance availability far exceeding the traditional buffer standard of 33%. Under PM Modi's direct guidance, seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries were constituted with the Fertilizer Secretary leading 10 high-level reviews, ensuring seamless inter-ministerial synergy and solving domestic natural gas supply issues in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Post-crisis domestic production stood at 118.15 LMT, and when combined with strategic imports and successfully concluded joint global tenders, the total post-crisis fertilizer availability witnessed a net addition of 153.79 LMT. The government has completely insulated farmers from international price shocks, maintaining retail prices without increase despite global market conditions.
Price Protection and Sustainable Agriculture Transition
Indian farmers continue to receive urea at ₹266.5 per 45-kg bag despite global market prices exceeding ₹4100 per bag, and DAP at ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag against global prices commanding over ₹5,000. A massive nationwide mass-awareness campaign from March to May promoted eco-friendly alternatives, resulting in combined sales of Fortified Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid FOM (LFOM), and Phosphate-Rich Organic Manure (PROM) soaring to seven times the volume in Financial Year 2025-26 compared to 2024-25.
Ammonium Sulphate consumption surged by nearly 60,000 tonnes, and green manuring was introduced across a record 1.84 lakh hectares under the technical guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). India's fertilizer security remains strong with availability consistently exceeding requirements across all major fertilizers, ensuring reliable access to essential fertilizers at highly subsidized rates.