India logs record phosphatic, potassic fertiliser output in January 2026

This signals a significant step towards strengthening India's fertiliser self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on imports in a segment that has traditionally relied heavily on overseas supplies

India’s domestic production of phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, including di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and complex NPKs, reached a record high of around 1.57 million tonnes in January. This is the highest-ever monthly output achieved in the country, said an official statement released on Friday. 

This signals a significant step toward strengthening India’s fertiliser self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports, particularly in a segment that has traditionally relied heavily on overseas supplies, the statement said. 

Meanwhile, a data recently released by the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) few weeks back for the months of April to December 2025 showed that in the first nine months of 2025-26 (FY26), India imported 85 per cent more urea, 46 per cent more DAP and 122 per cent more NPK fertilisers compared with a year earlier. 

Urea sales rose 3.8 per cent year-on-year to 31.16 million tonnes during the April-December period, even as domestic production declined 3.2 per cent to 22.44 million tonnes. Higher imports helped meet demand during peak crop nutrition months of the fertiliser year. 

Sales of DAP moderated to 8 million tonnes from 8.33 million tonnes a year earlier, reflecting softer offtake. However, imports increased 45.7 per cent to 5.95 million tonnes, cushioning the impact of a 3.9 per cent drop in domestic production and ensuring continued availability of phosphatic nutrients. Complex fertilisers showed a contrasting trend. 

Production of NP and NPK fertilisers (excluding DAP) increased 13.1 per cent to 9.27 million tonnes, while imports more than doubled to 3.29 million tonnes. Sales remained broadly stable at 11.74 million tonnes, indicating a deliberate push to strengthen availability and support balanced nutrient use rather than chase short-term demand.

 

With inputs from Agencies