India's Fertilizer Strategy: Reducing DAP, Urea and MOP Consumption

India’s Fertilizer Strategy: How can India cut DAP, Urea and MOP Consumption

India’s fertilizer strategy aims to reduce the excessive use of DAP, Urea, and MOP by promoting balanced nutrient application, sustainable alternatives, and improved soil health. Explore key policies, government initiatives, and their impact on agriculture.

Table of Contents

Context: India’s agricultural sector is heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, particularly urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP).

Why India Needs to Cut DAP, Urea, and MOP Consumption?

Heavy Import Dependence

MOP (Muriate of Potash): 100% imported from countries like Canada, Russia, and Jordan.
DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): Imported as finished fertiliser and raw materials from Saudi Arabia, China, Morocco, etc.
Urea: While 85% is domestically produced, its manufacturing depends on imported Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar, the US, and the UAE.
Rupee Depreciation Impact: Rising import costs put pressure on India’s forex reserves.

High-Analysis Fertilisers Lead to Imbalanced Nutrient Use

Urea (46% Nitrogen), DAP (46% Phosphorus + 18% Nitrogen), and MOP (60% Potash) provide excessive single nutrients.
This leads to soil degradation and reduces crop productivity over time.
Crops require balanced fertilisation with secondary (Sulphur, Calcium, Magnesium) and micronutrients (Zinc, Iron, Boron, etc.).

Financial Burden of Fertiliser Subsidies

The government provides massive subsidies to keep prices affordable.

DAP Subsidy: ₹21,911 per tonne + ₹3,500 special concession.
Urea Subsidy: Even higher, making urea overused by farmers.
Reducing consumption would cut the subsidy burden on the exchequer.

Strategies to Reduce Dependence

Indigenous Production

Utilizing India’s natural resources, such as phosphate rock in Rajasthan, to boost domestic fertilizer production.
Encouraging investments in urea, phosphatic, and complex fertilizer production under initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Balanced Fertilization

Encouraging the use of complex fertilizers like 20:20:0:13 (ammonium phosphate sulphate) as alternatives to DAP.

Examples of Alternatives

20:20:0:13 (APS): This complex fertilizer has become a popular substitute for DAP, especially for crops like oilseeds, pulses, and maize. It contains 20% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, 0% potassium, and 13% sulfur.
10:26:26:0 and 12:32:16:0: These complex fertilizers can meet the phosphorus and potassium needs of crops like potatoes, reducing direct MOP application.

Improve Nutrient Use Efficiency

Use of Nano Urea: Reduces traditional urea application while increasing efficiency.
Drip Irrigation + Fertigation: Reduces wastage and ensures precise nutrient delivery.
Neem-Coated Urea: Slows nitrogen release, improving absorption.

Farmer Awareness & Training: Train farmers on Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) for sustainable soil fertility.
- Promote agro-advisory services for real-time guidance on fertiliser application.
- Strengthen Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to educate farmers on alternative fertilisers.