Indian ports, including Kandla and Chennai, face congestion, stranding fertiliser vessels crucial for the kharif sowing season. Delays, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions rerouting ships and monsoon disruptions, raise concerns about timely nutrient availability for farmers, despite adequate urea supplies.
The Southwest monsoon has covered all of India, advancing into Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab on Thursday, just one day after the normal date. The monsoon's progress, while covering the entire country, has resulted in a reduced overall deficit but significant deficits remain in 10 states, impacting Kharif crop sowing.
Fifteen of 20 India-bound fertiliser ships have safely passed the Strait of Hormuz. Domestic urea production also exceeded targets from April to June, ensuring adequate fertiliser availability for farmers during the kharif season.
India's July monsoon rains are predicted to be below normal, less than 94% of the long-period average. This forecast raises concerns for the crucial kharif sowing season, impacting crops like paddy and pulses.
Telangana faces a 17% rainfall deficit, with 17 of 33 districts reporting deficient rainfall, raising concerns for kharif sowing in rain-fed areas. Siddipet and Hanumakonda are worst-hit, while the Centre flags India's districts vulnerable to agricultural disruptions.
India anticipates reduced fertilizer use this Kharif season due to a below-normal monsoon forecast. Urea demand is down to 190 lakh tonnes and DAP to 60 lakh tonnes. Despite rising global prices, India is importing urea and has surplus stocks of rice, wheat, and pulses.
India's Agriculture Ministry launches a contingency plan for the upcoming kharif season, focusing on seed buffers, water management, and district-wise crop strategies to mitigate a projected deficient monsoon and potential El Nino impact.
A study by ICAR scientists reveals El Niño years have historically reduced India's key kharif crop yields, like paddy and maize, by over 10% in many districts. Researchers urge contingency planning for drought-tolerant varieties and water management.
India's monthly domestic urea production rebounded to 21 lakh tonnes in April, matching last year's level, after falling to 16 lakh tonnes in March due to the West Asia conflict disrupting LNG supplies. Natural gas supply has now been restored to 97%. Overall fertiliser stock stands at 193.8 lakh tonnes, representing 50% of the estimated demand of 320 lakh tonnes for the kharif season.
India's government dismissed reports of fertiliser shortages, stating supply remains stable and adequate for the Rabi 2025-26 season with availability exceeding demand across urea, DAP, MOP, NPK and SSP. For Kharif 2026, 46% of estimated requirement is already available as opening stock, significantly higher than normal levels.
