Ranchi: Fertilizer Shortage India concerns are rising as the Jharkhand government deploys teams to monitor supply amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
The state agriculture department has decided to deploy teams across all 24 districts to assess availability and prevent hoarding.
Fertilizer Shortage India: Situation in Jharkhand
The state agriculture department has decided to deploy teams across all 24 districts to assess fertilizer availability and prevent hoarding.
Agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said a special team has been formed to analyze fertilizer consumption trends.
“We are comparing last year’s usage with current requirements to assess the situation,” she said.
She warned that hoarding will not be tolerated. The state will conduct raids and file FIRs against violators if needed.
Impact of West Asia Crisis on Fertilizer Supply
The minister highlighted that India imports a significant portion of fertilizers from Gulf countries. This makes supply vulnerable to disruptions in West Asia.
She also noted that domestic urea production is limited and reportedly declining. Allocation of fertilizers is controlled by the central government.
Centre’s Allocation and State Demand
According to officials, Jharkhand received around 1.7 lakh metric tonnes of urea for the Kharif season last year. This year, the allocation has increased to 1.9 lakh metric tonnes.
However, the state government has expressed concerns over the adequacy of supply planning at the national level.
Legal Action Against Hoarding
Fertilizers are regulated under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985.
These laws empower states to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing.
Enforcement Actions Across India
As per government data:
- Over 4.66 lakh raids conducted since April 2025
- 16,246 show cause notices issued
- 6,802 licences suspended or cancelled
- 821 FIRs registered
In February 2026 alone:
- 28 notices issued
- 2 licences cancelled
- 2 FIRs registered
Current Fertilizer Availability
Despite concerns, the government stated that fertilizers like urea, DAP, MOP, and NPKS remain adequately available across India for the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season.
