New Delhi: India’s fertiliser imports are expected to reach a record level of around 18 billion dollars in the current financial year, driven by strong farm demand, good monsoon rains and rising dependence on overseas supplies.
According to available data and industry estimates, the country has already spent close to 14 billion dollars on fertiliser imports in the first nine months of the fiscal year. This marks a sharp rise compared to the same period last year and puts total imports on track for a historic high by March.
The surge is mainly due to increased use of urea, di ammonium phosphate and complex fertilisers. Good rainfall encouraged farmers to expand the area under cultivation, which pushed up demand during both the kharif and rabi seasons. To ensure timely availability, the government and fertiliser companies increased imports.
Urea imports have more than doubled so far this year, while purchases of DAP and complex fertilisers have also risen strongly. India sources most of its fertilisers from countries such as Oman, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
Another key reason behind the higher imports is slower growth in domestic production. Local fertiliser output has not kept pace with rising consumption, forcing India to rely more on the global market to meet farm needs.
The growing import bill is also adding pressure to India’s trade balance, as fertilisers have become one of the major contributors to higher imports in recent months.
Despite the cost, officials say the priority is to ensure adequate supply for farmers and avoid shortages during critical sowing periods. However, experts warn that rising dependence on imports makes the country more vulnerable to global price swings and supply disruptions.
The government has been exploring ways to boost domestic production and improve efficiency, but for now, imports remain crucial to supporting India’s vast agricultural sector.