India Enters Agricultural Lean Season Ahead of Kharif Planting in June

Urea and phosphatic fertilizer supplies 'remain adequate' for the kharif season, says Fertilizer Association of India. The sector needs imported Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) to make urea, and much of the LNG comes from West Asia. Now, it seems hard to ignore how geopolitical tensions there could still affect supply chains.

FAI stated on Monday, March 10, 2026, that current inventories and supply plans should cover demand. Global issues might cause disruptions - but right now, stock levels appear enough.

Why would anyone think shortages will hit? The system has been stable so far. Still, with trade routes unstable in parts of west Asia, the risk isn't fully gone.

The FAI said they are working closely with the Central Government, State Governments and other stakeholders to “ensure smooth distribution of fertilizers across regions”. “Production planning, imports and logistics are being actively coordinated to maintain adequate availability during the upcoming cropping season,” it said.

Kharif season in India is expected to begin in June, and India is currently entering the agricultural lean season. “During this phase, fertilizer consumption typically remains moderate, allowing the industry to replenish inventories and undertake routine maintenance operations at production facilities,” the statement said.

In the first ten months of the year, India has reported higher fertilizer production and imports of Urea, DAP, Complex, SSP and MOP — moving from 57 million tons last year to 65 million tons in FY25-26, the spokesperson added.

“With consistent production of Urea, DAP and NPKs and timely imports, India currently holds adequate inventory of key nutrients to ensure that farm-level demand can be met without disruption. DAP & NPK inventories have gone up by 70-80% over last year corresponding period, giving adequate comfort to manage the temporary disruption in any supplies from Middle East,” it said.

The fertilizer sector requires imported Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for the production of urea, with significant supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) coming from West Asia. “The current disruption has impacted gas supplies, and the industry is working closely with the Government for prioritising gas allocation for Urea production. With some plants under annual maintenance, industry is optimizing gas allocation to ensure sufficient supply of Urea for the ensuing season,” the statement read.

“In case of phosphatics fertilizers, India has diversified supplies and long-term arrangements, and is sourcing from nations such as Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Belarus, which partially offsets supply disruption risks from one region.

“Indian fertilizer companies viz IPL, Coromandel, PPL have long term supply arrangements with global producers. These companies often secure annual or multi-year contracts for phosphoric acid, ammonia, and rock phosphate, which can help stabilise supplies in the short term. However, the current geopolitical disturbances can impact prices of these key raw materials like Sulphur and Ammonia and industry will be working closely with the Government for ensuring that Nutrient based Subsidy rates for the kharif season adequately factors spurt in raw material prices and exchange rate,” the spokesperson said in the statement.