How the Russian war worsened India's fertiliser consumption balance

Researcher says the contributory margin of companies selling and importing MOP is negative due to inadequate subsidies on potash

Fertiliser consumption in India, already imbalanced, became more lopsided this kharif season because of the Russia-Ukraine war, and this could have an impact on soil health in the long run.

There was a 39 per cent decline in sales of Muriate of Potash (MoP) during April-October as compared to the pre-Covid period of 2019 because farmers shunned this vital crop nutrient in favour of urea, di-ammonia phosphate and NPKS (sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur) because of high prices.

Even compared to April-October 2021, the sales of MoP for direct appli­cation dropped by almost 48 per cent. 

Industry players said consequently