This document addresses concerns raised in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2281 regarding the potential impact of China halting exports of specialty fertilizers to India. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers clarifies that the Fertilizer Control Order of 1985 does not classify "specialty fertilizers" but recognizes 100% water-soluble complex fertilizers and mixtures, primarily used for cash and horticulture crops. These fertilizers are not subsidized under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme.
India's annual consumption of water-soluble fertilizers is approximately 3.35 LMT (2023-24), with imports sourced from China, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and the USA. Fertilizer companies have the autonomy to import PK fertilizers based on their business considerations.
To ensure adequate fertilizer availability, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAFW) consults with state governments to assess state-wise, month-wise fertilizer requirements before each cropping season. Based on these projections, the Department of Fertilizers allocates appropriate quantities and monitors availability through monthly supply plans. The Integrated Fertilizers Monitoring System (iFMS), an online web-based system, tracks the movement of major subsidized fertilizers nationwide during each cropping season.
Furthermore, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities have developed indigenous alternatives, including zinc EDTA, customized nutrient blends, nano-fertilizers, bio-fertilizers enriched with micronutrients, and zinc-solubilizing bacteria. These innovations, coupled with Soil Test-Based Fertilizer Recommendations and Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), support an Integrated Nutrient Management strategy. This strategy aims to promote self-reliance in nutrient management, reduce import dependence, and ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA: Member of LOK SABHA who raised the question about fertilizer exports.
China: Country from which India imports water soluble fertilizers.
Fertilizer Control Order, 1985: Regulatory order governing the classification and standards of fertilizers in India.
Nutrient Based Subsidy NBS Scheme: Scheme administered by the Department of Fertilizers to provide subsidies on fertilizers based on their nutrient content.
Department of Agriculure and Farmers Welfare DAFW: Department responsible for assessing fertilizer requirements in consultation with State Governments.
State Governments: Governments of individual states in India, consulted by DAFW for fertilizer requirements.
integrated Fertilizers Monitoring System iFMS: Online web-based monitoring system used to track the movement of subsidized fertilizers across the country.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR: Organization that develops indigenous fertilizer solutions and supports nutrient management strategies.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2281 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 01.08.2025
Export of Speciality Fertilizers
2281. SHRI ANAND BHADAURIA:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
a) Whether China has halted export of certain speciality fertilizers to India which is
likely to adversely affect the Indian farmers;
b) If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
c) the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely and sufficient availability of
fertilizers to farmers of the country during the current Monsoon season and next
Rabi season in response to Chinese halting of exports to India?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) to (c): In Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 there is no classification as specialty
fertilizer. However, 100 % water soluble complex fertilizer, 100 % water soluble
mixture of fertilizer category is there, used mainly in cash crops and horticulture
crops. None of these fertilizer are subsidized fertilizers within the ambit of Nutrient
Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme administered by Department of Fertilizers. Against
annual consumption of Water Soluble Fertilizers of around 3.35 LMT (2023-24), a
significant quantity is imported from China as well as alternative suppliers like
Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco & USA. However, fertilizer companies are free
to import P&K fertilizers as per their business dynamics.-2-
Before the commencement of each cropping season, Department of Agriculure and
Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), in consultation with the all State Governments, assesses
the state-wise & month-wise requirement of fertilizers. On the basis of requirement
projected. Department of Fertilizers allocates adequate quantities of fertilizers to
States, by issuing monthly supply plan and continuously monitors the availability. The
movement of all major subsidized fertilizer is monitored through the country by an on-
line web based monitoring system called integrated Fertilizers Monitoring System
(iFMS) for each cropping season.
Further, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its research
institute and State Agricultural Universities have developed indigenous solutions such
as zinc EDTA, customized nutrient blends, nano-fertilizers, biofertilizers enriched with
micronutrients, including zinc-solubilizing bacteria. These research-based innovations
supported by initiatives like Soil Test-Based Fertilizer Recommendations and Site-
Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) supports a holistic Integrated Nutrient
Management Strategy to help country move towards self-reliance in nutrient
management, reduce import dependency, and ensure sustainable agricultural
productivity.
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