Steps taken to boost domestic supply of fertilisers: Centre

New Delhi: Amid concerns of short supply of fertilisers, the Centre has said that it is taking steps to boost the domestic supply of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilisers and address issues of availability at local levels amid 60 per cent import dependence.

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers has also blamed the shortage of DAP on the Red Sea issue and cuts in exports by some global suppliers.

October and November are the key two months for farmers to apply for DAP. As a result, 65- 70 per cent of the Rabi season’s total demand has to be met during this period, said a statement.

"The Centre is taking necessary action in coordination with the States, Railways and Fertilizers Companies to resolve local availability issues to ensure expeditious supplies of DAP," statement said.

In Rabi 2024-25, in spite of global factors, quantities exceeding 17 lakh tonne of DAP arrived at various ports and have been sent to the States in October and November 2024. Total 23 lakh tonne DAP (imported and domestic) supplied to the States in October and November 2024.

Total 34.81 lakh tonne of DAP and 55.14 lakh tonne of NPKS have been made available by the Government of India during the ongoing Rabi season till date, statement added.

India is dependent upon the imported supplies of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) in order to meet the demand of the States. At present, approximately 60 per cent of the DAP availability is met by the Imported supplies.

Moreover, the domestic production also depends upon import of raw materials. The Red Sea crisis led to diversion of vessels including Phosphoric Acid via Cape of Good Hope thus resulting in longer voyage time and associated supply chain disruptions.

In this Rabi 2024-25 season, in spite of global factors, quantities exceeding 17 lakh tonne of DAP arrived at various ports and were sent to the States in October and November 2024. Almost 6.50 lakh tonne of domestic production were further made available to States. Therefore, imported and domestic DAP supplied to the States in October and November 2024 so far has become approximately 23 lakh tonne excluding buffer stock available in the states.

In addition, major states like Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh used NPKS of various grades to the extent of 5 lakh tonne more as compared to last Rabi Season which is a significant development. In the entire country, the States have consumed 10 lakh tonne of NPKS more than previous Rabi.

Intensive efforts of the Central Government resulted in the total availability of 34.81 lakh tonne of DAP and 55.14 lakh tonne of NPKS during the ongoing Rabi season till date.