India fertilizer stocks at 199.65 LMT — 51% of Kharif 2026 requirement met ahead of season

📌 Summary:

• Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare assessed Kharif 2026 fertilizer requirement at 390.54 LMT; current stock at 199.65 LMT covers >51% of seasonal demand.

• Buffer level of 51% is a sharp rise from the usual ~33% — reflects improved advance stocking and efficient logistics post the West Asia crisis.

• Post-crisis supply: Domestic production added 76.78 LMT and imports reached 19.94 LMT at Indian ports. Breakup: Urea 46.28 LMT (domestic) + 12.51 LMT (imports); DAP 6.20 + 0.76; NPK 15.57 + 3.79; SSP 8.73 + 0; MOP 0 + 2.88.

• No hike in MRP for farmers — Government continuing subsidy support.

• Aggregated global tenders initiated for 12 LMT of DAP, 4 LMT of TSP, 3 LMT of Ammonium Sulphate.

• Raw material tenders in progress: 5.36 LMT Ammonia and 5.94 LMT Sulphur.

• ~7 LMT of NPKs from SOH (State of Holdings) expected at Indian ports through May–June 2026.

• Aparna Sharma, Additional Secretary (Department of Fertilizers), confirmed adequate stock for Kharif 2026.

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — Food security, subsidy management, supply chain resilience for critical agri inputs, India's import dependence on phosphatic/potassic fertilizers.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Kharif 2026 fertilizer requirement: 390.54 LMT; current stock 199.65 LMT (51%)

• Buffer level: 51% vs usual 33%

• LMT = Lakh Metric Tonnes

• India is largely import-dependent for DAP, MOP and key raw materials (Ammonia, Sulphur, Phosphoric acid)

• Subsidy scheme: NBS (Nutrient Based Subsidy) for P&K fertilizers; Urea under DBT

🔑 Key Term: Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) — Scheme under which a fixed subsidy is announced annually on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers based on nutrient content; aims to encourage balanced fertilisation.