Likely Rise in Demand for Soluble Fertilizers Due to Weak Monsoon

13-Jul-2026 01:48 PM

New Delhi. The uncertain status of the southwest monsoon this year is creating the potential for increased demand and consumption of soluble fertilizers in India; however, the sharp rise in prices may force farmers to think twice before increasing their usage.

The President of the Soluble Fertilizer Association of India states that prices of soluble fertilizers have surged by 60 to 100 percent over the past year due to export restrictions imposed by China and supply disruptions caused by the crisis in West Asia.

For the last two years, the price of Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) hovered around $1,000 per tonne, but it has now risen to $1,500–$1,600 per tonne—an increase of $500–$600, which is substantial.

There are concerns that this steep price hike could impact the demand for soluble fertilizers. Controlling prices is neither feasible nor within the domestic industry's capacity, as imports have become very expensive. With China banning the export of several key products and imports from West Asia facing significant hurdles,

India is compelled to source supplies from Russia and other former Soviet republics. However, imports from these regions may also be limited in volume. Domestic production of soluble fertilizers is minimal, necessitating large-scale imports from abroad.