Amid concerns over di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) availability, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers Anupriya Patel stated that the government has implemented proactive measures to ensure an adequate supply of this essential fertilizer in the country.
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In the face of concerns over the availability of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an adequate supply for Indian farmers. Speaking at the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI) Annual Seminar 2024 in Delhi, Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, outlined the proactive measures undertaken to stabilize the availability of this critical phosphate-based fertilizer.
This year’s geopolitical disturbances significantly disrupted global supply chains, particularly affecting fertilizers like DAP. Addressing the audience at the three-day seminar themed “Sustainable Fertilizer and Agriculture,” Patel said, “The Department rose to the occasion and overcame challenges through long-term agreements with supplier countries. Simultaneously, the government promoted the use of alternate fertilizers to mitigate dependency on DAP.”
Measures to Ensure Fertilizer Supply
Patel highlighted how the government coordinated efforts with state governments, port authorities, and fertilizer companies to expedite the dispatch of fertilizers to demand-intensive regions. This integrated approach ensured farmers received fertilizers on time, aligning with their agricultural schedules.
“Our focus has not only been on subsidies but also on ensuring timely procurement and availability of fertilizers at reasonable prices. The government has strengthened indigenous production capacities alongside imports, ensuring a robust supply chain to support India’s large farming community,” Patel added.
The measures reflect a commitment to balancing affordability and availability, crucial for India’s agrarian economy.
Addressing Challenges in the Rabi Season 2024-25
To address the immediate challenges of the ongoing Rabi season 2024-25, Patel announced two critical government decisions:
- Special Financial Package: The government introduced a package of ₹3,500 per metric tonne, costing ₹2,625 crore, to stabilize procurement prices for companies amidst international price volatility.
- Market Price Alignment: The prices of phosphate and potassium (P&K) fertilizers have been aligned with international market prices to ensure sustainable procurement practices.
These steps aim to strengthen the fertilizer industry’s procurement capabilities and shield farmers from erratic market trends.
At the seminar, FAI Chairman N Suresh Krishnan reassured stakeholders that there is no current shortage of DAP in the country despite production and import challenges. However, Krishnan expressed concern over a potential fall in closing stock levels by the fiscal year’s end.
According to FAI data:
- Production of DAP fell from 27.01 lakh tonnes (April-October 2023) to 25.03 lakh tonnes during the same period in 2024.
- Imports of DAP declined significantly, from 39.68 lakh tonnes to 27.84 lakh tonnes.
- Sales of DAP reduced to 56.92 lakh tonnes from 76.31 lakh tonnes.
Krishnan emphasized the importance of pricing DAP higher than other non-urea fertilizers due to its nutritional value and called for a sustained focus on soil health protection.
Broader Vision
The government’s efforts extend beyond the immediate challenges of DAP availability. By fostering long-term partnerships and promoting sustainable practices, the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers aims to enhance agricultural productivity while addressing environmental concerns.
Patel stressed the importance of adopting sustainable farming practices and the use of alternate fertilizers. The push for self-reliance in fertilizer production aligns with India’s broader vision of reducing import dependency and strengthening agricultural resilience.
The proactive measures taken by the government reflect its unwavering commitment to supporting Indian farmers amid global uncertainties. With collaborative efforts from the Ministry, industry stakeholders, and state governments, India has managed to navigate supply chain disruptions effectively.
The initiatives announced at the FAI Annual Seminar 2024 not only ensure the immediate availability of DAP but also pave the way for a more sustainable and self-reliant agricultural future. As the Rabi season progresses, the focus remains on balancing supply, affordability, and sustainability to meet the needs of the farming community.
