In a significant enhancement to agricultural productivity, the Central Department of Fertilizers (DoF) has secured a robust supply of Urea across the country for the Kharif 2025 season through effective planning and coordination. These proactive initiatives have not only satisfied the seasonal demand but also established a substantial buffer for the forthcoming Rabi 2025–26 season. With a projected requirement of 185.39 lakh metric tons (LMT) for Kharif 2025, the DoF ensured the availability of 230.53 LMT, surpassing the actual sales of 193.20 LMT. This surplus demonstrates the government’s dedication to maintaining a consistent supply of fertilizer. Farmers utilized approximately 4.08 LMT more Urea than in Kharif 2024, reflecting enhanced access and increased cultivation owing to favorable monsoon conditions.
To address the gap between domestic production and escalating demand, the government escalated imports. From April to October 2025, India imported 58.62 LMT of agricultural-grade Urea, more than double the 24.76 LMT imported in the same timeframe last year. This increase not only fulfilled Kharif requirements but also contributed to the establishment of buffer stocks for Rabi. Urea stocks rose from 48.64 LMT on October 1 to 68.85 LMT by October 31, an increase of 20.21 LMT. Domestic production also saw positive growth, with October 2025 output reaching 26.88 LMT, exceeding the previous year’s figure for the same month by 1.05 LMT. The average production from April to October remained steady at nearly 25 LMT monthly.
Furthermore, 17.5 LMT of imports are scheduled for November and December, with additional global procurements planned. To lessen import reliance, two new Urea plants are being developed, one in Namrup (Assam) and another in Talcher (Odisha), each with an annual capacity of 12.7 LMT. Various other proposals are under consideration to bolster India’s self-sufficiency in fertilizer production. States have also adopted innovative strategies to improve distribution efficiency and prevent misuse. In collaboration with the Agriculture Department, officials have been tasked with monitoring diversion, smuggling, hoarding, and excessive use of subsidized Urea. Many states are implementing digital tracking and oversight systems to ensure transparency and timely assistance to farmers.