Fertiliser Shortage in India

Fertilisers have acquired political overtones over the years, especially in recent times, as farmers have died by suicides due to the unavailability of fertilisers ahead of the rabi season in India. The agriculture sector still employs 60% of the population. A regular supply of fertilisers would help the government to ensure that a large chunk of the rural voters are satisfied, given that the general elections in five states (Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh [UP]) are about to happen.

The government has been actively involved in the fertiliser sector over the years without which the objectives of ensuring food security and provision of fertilisers at affordable prices would fail. However, more than a year-long hike in international fertiliser prices, starting from June 2020, has created difficulties in ensuring the regular supply of fertiliser products to farmers. However, the government has been repeatedly arguing that there is no fertiliser shortage in the country. On the contrary, analysis using the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) data from the Department of Fertilizer, Government of India for October 2021 shows a severe lack of fertiliser products.