New Delhi, May 11 (PTI) India has "ample" stocks of fertilisers to meet demand for the upcoming Kharif sowing season, the government said on Monday, as it appealed to farmers not to engage in panic buying.

In an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Aparna S Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers, informed that the government is importing urea as well as other soil nutrients to supplement domestic production and ensure adequate availability during the upcoming Kharif (summer-sown) season.

The maximum retail prices (MRP) of major fertilisers have remained constant, she said.

Sharma emphasised that the Central and state governments are making efforts to promote the balanced use of fertilisers and curb excessive use. States are taking action to curb hoarding and check the diversion of soil nutrients for commercial use.

"India's fertiliser security remains comfortable and well managed," Sharma said.

The additional secretary informed that "as on date for the season of Kharif 2026, based on the fertiliser requirement that has been assessed by the Department of Agriculture, the stock is more than 51 per cent".

She noted that the stock position is significantly higher than the usual level, which is 33 per cent of the demand.

The Department of Agriculture has assessed the fertiliser requirement for kharif 2026 at 390.54 lakh tonnes.

"So the fertiliser stock is comfortable, and the MRP of major fertiliser remains very much the same," Sharma said.

After the crisis period, she said the domestic production was 76.78 lakh tonnes while imports were 19.94 lakh tonnes.

"So a total of 97 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser has been added to the availability after the crisis situation," the additional secretary informed.

Elaborating, Sharma said India has secured 7 lakh tonnes of NPK complexes from global sources.

"Further 12 lakh tonnes of DAP (di-ammonium phosphate), 4 lakh tonnes of triple super phosphate, and 3 lakh tonnes of ammonium sulfate have been secured for the country. This will ensure adequate availability for the peak season that will start in about 15-20 days time," she said.

Sharma said an empowered group of secretaries is reviewing the situation on a weekly basis.

Last week, the Department of Fertilizers informed that domestic production for March-April stood at 67.76 lakh tonnes - comprising urea (40.72 lakh tonnes), Di ammonium Phosphate (5.39 lakh tonnes), NPK (13.65 lakh tonnes) and SSP (8 lakh tonnes).

Asked about the price of fertilisers, Sharma said the rate of urea bag is fixed, while the price of DAP right now is at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag. The MRPs of other complexes are free.

At present, the MRP of neem-coated Urea is Rs 242 per bag (45kg).

"The government has been promoting balanced use of fertiliser across the country," she said, adding that States have also taken several steps.

States are also making efforts to check diversion and hoarding of fertilisers.

"There has been some panic buying initially. Our appeal is that ample stock is available," Sharma said.

"About 51 per cent of the stock for the season is available. More imports are in pipeline and the production is as per the normal schedule," she said.

Urea plants are running in full steam while P&K (phosphatic and potassic) fertilisers are also being produced in the country.

Regarding the availability of ammonia and sulphur, she said the government is doing its best to ensure the management of surplus ammonia.

She pointed out that the price of some of the fertilisers, like urea, has nearly doubled in the global market.

The government will be clearing subsidy bills in due course to maintain the liquidity of fertiliser companies, the additional secretary said.

In the Budget this year, the Centre projected fertiliser subsidy at Rs 1,70,805 crore for 2026-27. The subsidy bill is likely to rise due to costlier imports.

"Regarding the demand management measures, the state level already efforts are being made, and we have the state level interventions to ensure that the fertilisers are not misused or hoarded, or they are not black-marketed," she said.

That apart, Sharma said the use of alternative fertilisers is already being promoted through agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

"So the efforts are being made at the state level to ensure that balanced use of fertiliser is done and the excessive use is curtailed," she added.

India's urea production has increased from 225 lakh tonnes during 2014-15 to 306.67 lakh tonnes in 2024-25. The country imported more than 100 lakh tonnes of urea last fiscal to meet local demand. PTI MJH MJH MR