As the Kharif sowing season begins across several states, the availability of fertilisers has once again come into focus. While the next few weeks are crucial for ensuring timely supply to farmers, both government officials and industry leaders maintain that the country currently has sufficient stocks to meet demand.
According to fertiliser industry veteran Udai Shankar Awasthi, former Managing Director and CEO of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, there is little cause for concern at this stage of the season. In a televised interview to ET NOW, Awasthi reiterated this point.
“I don’t think Kharif is an issue,” Awasthi said while sharing his perspective on fertiliser availability. He added that any potential challenges may arise only if the situation stretches beyond April, when demand typically begins to intensify in many agricultural regions.
His remarks come amid heightened attention on agricultural input supplies as farmers prepare their fields for crops such as paddy, maize, cotton and pulses.
The Government of India has also assured farmers that fertiliser availability remains comfortable nationwide. During a recent inter-ministerial media briefing, officials stated that the country currently has “more than adequate stocks” of key fertilisers ahead of the upcoming Kharif season.
Officials said the Department of Fertilizers is closely monitoring demand and supply dynamics across states to ensure smooth distribution during the sowing period. The department is also taking proactive measures to strengthen reserves, including undertaking spot purchases of fertilisers to build additional buffer stocks.
The assurance was shared during a media briefing addressed by the spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, who highlighted the government’s preparedness to handle any supply disruptions.
Recent data indicates that India has built substantial fertiliser inventories ahead of the season. Total fertiliser stocks in the country have increased significantly year-on-year, reaching more than 177 lakh metric tonnes in early March, compared with around 130 lakh metric tonnes during the same period last year.
Stocks of major nutrients such as urea, DAP and NPK fertilisers have also risen, creating a buffer that officials say should comfortably meet peak demand during the sowing cycle.
The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to maintain supply stability. This includes boosting domestic production, advancing maintenance schedules at fertiliser plants to maximise output, and securing imports from multiple international suppliers. Officials are also coordinating with energy authorities to ensure uninterrupted natural gas supply to fertiliser units, as gas is a key feedstock for urea production.
Experts say such advance planning is crucial because the Kharif season typically accounts for a large share of annual fertiliser consumption in India. Any disruption in distribution during this period can affect crop productivity and farm incomes.
For now, however, both policymakers and industry leaders appear confident that the country’s fertiliser supply chain is well positioned to support farmers during the 2026 Kharif cycle.