India’s Department of Agriculture and Family Welfare has reduced its projected demand for key fertilisers for the Kharif season after the El Niño forecast predicts a weaker monsoon.
Key Developments
- Urea requirement cut from 194.04 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) to 190.32 LMT.
- Diammonium phosphate (DAP) requirement reduced from 59.17 LMT to 56.23 LMT.
- Overall fertiliser stock (including Urea, DAP, NPK, SSP, MOP) increased by 132.43 LMT through imports and domestic production since the West Asia conflict began.
- Secured additional supplies via the Strait of Hormuz: 25 LMT Urea, 15 LMT DAP, and 10 LMT NPK, expected in June‑July 2026.
- New global tender launched for procurement of 17 LMT Urea.
Important Facts
The reduction was requested by Additional Secretary Aparna Sharma of the Department of Fertilisers after consulting state governments. The move aligns with the IMD outlook that predicts below‑average rainfall due to El Niño.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this policy helps aspirants in:
- GS3: Agriculture – how fertiliser demand is linked to monsoon forecasts.
- GS3: Economy – impact of import‑driven fertiliser procurement on trade balance and fiscal deficit.
- GS2: Polity – role of ministries and inter‑ministerial coordination in policy formulation.
- GS3: Environment – climate anomalies like El Niño affecting food security.
Way Forward
Monitoring monsoon performance will determine whether further adjustments are needed. The government may continue to rely on strategic imports via the Strait of Hormuz and expand tendering to stabilise fertiliser supply. States are expected to align sowing schedules with revised forecasts to avoid crop loss.