Urea availability likely to improve in January

Urea availability may be better in January, reducing concerns of farmers as the closing stock was 38.79 lakh tonnes (lt) as of January 2, against the demand estimate of 32.98 lt for the entire month. The availability will also improve with domestic production and import adding to the supplies whereas the demand will reduce next month with completion of sowing of winter crops, experts said.

According to latest data, the closing stock (as on January 2) of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) was at 17.22 lt, that of Muriate of Potash (MOP) was at 6.14 lt, complex (combination of N, P, K nutrients) at 35.33 lt and single super phosphate (SSP) at 18.41 lt.

Based on the states’ feedback, the Centre has estimated January demand of DAP at 4.04 lt, MOP at 2.35 lt, complex at 11.97 lt and SSP at 3.83 lt. November-December is the peak sales period of fertiliser for Rabi crops and timely availability of fertilisers is a key factor for achieving targetted production.

Higher demand estimate

This year’s demand estimation for January is higher in case of urea, MOP and complex, whereas it is marginally lower in DAP and SSP. Industry sources said that the government would like farmers to shift from DAP/SSP to complex fertilisers, to help improve soil fertility and also reduce import of phosphatic fertilisers.

The industry data show that India’s import of DAP surged 54.4 per cent to 55.4 lt in April-November of this fiscal despite 1 per cent drop in sales as domestic production, also from imported raw material, has dropped by 5 per cent in this period. Even, import of urea too surged 120 per cent to 71.7 lt and its domestic production dipped 4 per cent to 197.5 lt in this period. In case of MOP, India meets entire demand through import as there is no domestic production.

Meanwhile the Fertiliser Ministry on Friday issued a statement saying nearly 73 per cent of the country’s total fertilizer requirement was met through domestic production in 2025 (January-December).

Long-tem pact priority

It reinforces the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry said adding there is significant reduction in the country’s dependence on fertilizer imports.

“The Government continues to work tirelessly to empower farmers, promote self-reliance, and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of fertilizers across the country,” it said.

With a strong focus on fertilizer security and timely availability of nutrients to farmers, the Government has prioritised long-term supply agreements for key raw materials and adopted a strategy of strategic diversification to safeguard against global uncertainties and supply disruptions.

Total domestic production of fertilisers, including urea, DAP, NPKs and SSP has increased from 509.57 lt in 2024 to an all-time high of 524.62 lt in 2025, it said.

“The growth in domestic production has been driven by the establishment of new fertiliser plants, revival of previously closed units, promotion of indigenous manufacturing, and assured availability of raw materials,” it said.

Published on January 9, 2026