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India Diversifies Fertilizer Sources Amid China Supply Squeeze
5 Dec, 2025
Summary
- India is importing speciality fertilisers from Germany, Egypt, and others due to China's restrictions.
- Indigenous nano and bio-fertiliser solutions are being advanced to reduce import dependence.
- China supplied 65.65% of India's water-soluble fertiliser imports in FY 2024-25.
India is actively seeking alternative international suppliers for speciality fertilisers amidst reports of China curtailing exports over recent months. Companies are now turning to Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and the United States to mitigate the impact of these supply disruptions. Speciality fertilisers are currently unsubsidised and fall outside the government's Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme, allowing companies flexibility in their import decisions based on market conditions.
Concurrently, India is intensifying efforts towards self-sufficiency in nutrient management. Research institutions, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities, are spearheading the development of indigenous alternatives. These include advanced solutions like zinc EDTA, boron blends, nano-fertilisers, and bio-fertilisers enriched with essential micronutrients, aiming to lessen import dependency.
Data reveals China's significant share in India's fertiliser imports. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, China accounted for 65.65% of India's total water-soluble fertiliser imports, amounting to 1.71 lakh tonnes out of 2.60 lakh tonnes. This highlights the strategic importance of India's push for developing its own fertiliser technologies and diversifying its import base to ensure agricultural stability.
