Rabi fertilizer demand 2026-27 is expected to reach nearly 350 lakh tonnes (lt), covering key subsidised fertilizers such as Urea, DAP, MOP and Complex fertilizers. The preliminary estimate is around 2 lakh tonnes higher than the previous year’s level.
The fertilizer demand estimate comes ahead of the Rabi season beginning October 1, 2026. The government is expected to finalise the requirement after consultations with States during the two-day Rabi Conference beginning September 28.
Urea, DAP, MOP and Complex Fertilizer Demand
Based on preliminary estimates, India’s fertilizer requirement for the October 2026-March 2027 Rabi season has been projected as follows:
| Fertilizer | Estimated Rabi Demand |
|---|---|
| Urea | 199.27 lakh tonnes |
| DAP | 55.07 lakh tonnes |
| MOP | 16.40 lakh tonnes |
| Complex Fertilizers | 79.12 lakh tonnes |
| Total | 349.86 lakh tonnes |
Urea is expected to account for the largest share of the estimated Rabi fertilizer requirement at 199.27 lakh tonnes, followed by Complex fertilizers at 79.12 lakh tonnes and DAP at 55.07 lakh tonnes.
Fertilizer Stock Stands at 141.69 Lakh Tonnes
The country’s fertilizer stock position stood at 141.69 lakh tonnes as of September 18, according to the data cited in the report.
The stock included:
- Urea: 64.91 lakh tonnes
- DAP: 22.83 lakh tonnes
- MOP: 9.38 lakh tonnes
- Complex fertilizers: 44.57 lakh tonnes
The availability of fertilizer stocks will be a key consideration as the government and States finalise the month-wise requirement for the Rabi season.
Rainfall Impacts Fertilizer Sales
Fertilizer demand is closely linked to rainfall, particularly in rain-fed agricultural areas. Lower-than-normal rainfall during the first part of September affected fertilizer sales in several regions.
Rainfall was around 20% below normal between September 1 and 23, according to the information cited. However, heavy rainfall following low-pressure systems and a deep depression could support fertilizer demand in areas that received adequate precipitation.
Drought conditions declared in several tehsils or talukas of Karnataka and Maharashtra also contributed to weaker-than-expected fertilizer sales during the Kharif season.
September Fertilizer Sales Below Monthly Demand
Fertilizer sales during September have remained below the preliminary monthly requirement.
Between September 4 and 18, fertilizer sales stood at:
- Urea: 13.15 lakh tonnes
- DAP: 4.39 lakh tonnes
- MOP: 0.81 lakh tonnes
- Complex: 3.25 lakh tonnes
The estimated total fertilizer requirement for September was 54.48 lakh tonnes, comprising 26.77 lakh tonnes of Urea, 10.20 lakh tonnes of DAP, 2.87 lakh tonnes of MOP and 14.64 lakh tonnes of Complex fertilizers.
Against this monthly estimate, sales during September 4-18 were around 21.6 lakh tonnes, or less than 40% of the full-month requirement.
Rabi Conference to Finalise Fertilizer Requirement
The annual Rabi Conference will bring together State Agriculture Ministers, senior officials from the Centre and States, ICAR representatives and other stakeholders.
Fertilizer availability and the balanced use of nutrients are among the key issues expected to be discussed during the conference.
The government is also expected to review the month-wise fertilizer requirement for the October 2026-March 2027 period based on feedback received from the States.
Key Agriculture Issues on Rabi Conference Agenda
Apart from fertilizer availability, the conference will discuss several agricultural priorities, including:
- Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- Oilseeds and oil palm
- Horticulture
- Cotton production
- Seed availability and seed-sector reforms
- Natural farming
- Soil health
- Farm mechanisation
- FPO financing and infrastructure
- Agricultural marketing reforms
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- Kisan Credit Card coverage
- Digital Agriculture
- PM Fasal Bima Yojana
- Plant protection
- Agricultural statistics
Outlook for Rabi Fertilizer Demand
The final Rabi fertilizer demand 2026-27 estimate will depend on State-level requirements, rainfall conditions, cropping patterns and fertilizer availability.
With nearly 350 lakh tonnes of Urea, DAP, MOP and Complex fertilizer demand projected for the season, ensuring timely availability will remain an important priority ahead of the Rabi sowing period.
The month-wise allocation and final demand estimates are expected to provide a clearer picture of fertilizer requirements across major agricultural States during the October 2026-March 2027 season.
