Fertiliser Fear

As the West Asia war disrupts trade routes, India's fertiliser dependence may hamper crop output and increase food prices

- Siddhant Konduskar

AS THE WEST ASIA WAR disrupts trade routes, all eyes are on fertilisers. In a country where agriculture supports nearly half the population, any disruption in fertiliser availability or pricing can impact crop output, food inflation and rural income.

Driven by its vast cropping base and intensive farming practices, India is among the world's largest fertiliser consumers. Though domestic production has expanded over the years, the sector remains dependent on imports, not just for finished fertilisers such as muriate of potash, but also for intermediates like rock phosphate, ammonia and sulphur.