The Department of Fertilisers has confirmed that India’s fertiliser availability is well above requirement levels as the country prepares for the Kharif 2026 agricultural cycle.
According to official data, the total fertiliser requirement for the upcoming season is estimated at 390.54 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, approximately 180 lakh metric tonnes, around 46 percent are already available as opening stock.
This marks a notable improvement compared to the typical pre-season availability of nearly 33 per cent, indicating enhanced planning, procurement, and distribution mechanisms.
Government figures from the recently concluded Rabi season (October 2025 to March 2026) further underline the surplus position.
Urea availability stood at 257.59 lakh metric tonnes against a requirement of 196.06 lakh metric tonnes.
DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) availability reached 75.40 lakh metric tonnes, exceeding the requirement of 53.43 lakh metric tonnes.
These figures demonstrate that supply consistently outpaced demand across key fertilisers, strengthening reserves ahead of the summer sowing season.
As of mid-April 2026, fertiliser stock levels remain robust across categories:
1. Urea stocks stand at approximately 6.73 million tonnes, broadly in line with last year’s 6.80 million tonnes.
2. DAP stocks have risen sharply to 2.21 million tonnes, compared to 1.30 million tonnes last year.
3. NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) stocks have increased to 5.74 million tonnes from 4.18 million tonnes a year earlier.
The rise in DAP and NPK reserves, in particular, reflects a significant strengthening of nutrient availability critical for crop productivity.
Between 1 April and 23 April 2026, fertiliser availability continued to exceed requirement levels across states, indicating a stable and well-prepared supply chain at the start of the Kharif season.
Officials say this early buffer is crucial in ensuring uninterrupted access for farmers during peak sowing periods.
The government’s assurances come despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions, particularly due to tensions in West Asia, which have impacted global fertiliser supply chains.
To mitigate risks, India has diversified its import sources, procuring fertilisers from multiple countries including Russia, Morocco, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Canada, Algeria, Egypt, Finland, and Togo.
A network of 16 Indian missions abroad has been actively coordinating efforts to secure alternative supply lines and maintain stability in domestic availability.
Efforts have also been made to strengthen domestic fertiliser production. Gas supply to urea plants has been increased from around 60 per cent to 75-80 per cent through alternative arrangements, helping reduce production losses.
Additionally, nearly 25 lakh metric tonnes of urea has been secured through global tenders, further reinforcing supply buffers amid international uncertainties.
To ensure equitable distribution, the Centre has advised state governments to take strict action against diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilisers.
Officials stressed that maintaining transparency and timely availability at the grassroots level remains critical, particularly during the peak agricultural season.
Reiterating its position, the government stated that recent claims of fertiliser shortages are not supported by ground data.
With inventory levels remaining comfortable and supply chains functioning efficiently, authorities maintain that India is well-prepared to meet the demands of the Kharif 2026 season without disruption.
