Parliamentary Push for Stronger Fertilizer Oversight

Rising Consumption Trends

Parliamentary Push for Stronger Fertilizer Oversight: India’s fertilizer consumption reached an unprecedented 708 LMT in 2024–25, reflecting the rising pressure on agricultural productivity. Domestic production, however, remained significantly lower, with 307 LMT of Urea and 211.21 LMT of P and K produced. This mismatch increases India’s exposure to geopolitical disruptions and fluctuating international prices.
Static GK fact: India is the second-largest fertilizer consumer globally after China.

Domestic Production Gaps

The Parliamentary Committee highlighted the widening gap between demand and production despite policy frameworks like NIP-2012 and NUP-2015. Many plants are operating below optimal efficiency due to age and outdated processes. Out of 33 Urea units, 27 are over 25 years old, and 7 plants are older than 50 years, resulting in high operational costs and energy inefficiency.
Static GK Tip: The first Urea plant in India was established at Sindri, Jharkhand.

Need for Technological Upgradation

A major concern is India’s dependence on foreign licensors from the Netherlands, the US, Italy, and Japan for advanced fertilizer technologies. This dependence slows modernization and increases costs. Strengthening indigenous R&D and creating a high-power task force for technology development were strongly recommended.
Static GK fact: The Department of Fertilizers functions under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, formed in 1991.

Import Vulnerabilities and Raw Material Security

India imports 95% of its phosphate and 100% of its potash needs, making the sector highly vulnerable. Securing long-term international agreements and forming global joint ventures with resource-rich nations were proposed to ensure stable supplies.
Static GK Tip: Morocco holds the world’s largest phosphate reserves.

Mineral Exploration Opportunities

The Committee noted India’s untapped potential in low-grade phosphate ores and deep-seated potash deposits. Leveraging the Critical & Strategic Minerals classification under the MMDR Act 2023 could accelerate exploration and domestic mining. This would enhance supply stability and reduce foreign dependence.
Static GK fact: The MMDR Act was originally enacted in 1957.

Promoting Balanced Fertilizer Use

The overuse of chemical fertilizers has contributed to soil degradation, micronutrient loss, and lower crop resilience. The panel emphasized balanced nutrient application, crop rotation, and promoting biotic inputs and organic farming. Nano fertilizers, especially Nano Urea, were seen as a key alternative for efficiency.
Static GK Tip: The National Project on Soil Health and Fertility supports balanced nutrient practices across India.

Strengthening Monitoring and Enforcement

Despite mandatory Aadhaar authentication, black marketing and diversion remain major concerns. The committee recommended a nationwide lab network, strict enforcement mechanisms, and a robust grievance redressal system to curb malpractices, ensuring fertilizers reach genuine farmers.
Static GK fact: Aadhaar was launched in 2009 as the world’s largest biometric ID system.

Boosting Innovation in Application Tools

The report noted that India currently lacks sufficient drones for large-scale Nano fertilizer spraying. A dedicated PLI Scheme for agricultural drones was proposed to boost manufacturing and accelerate modern farm practices.
Static GK Tip: India launched its first PLI schemes in 2020 to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Parliamentary Push for Stronger Fertilizer Oversight: