Why India must reduce its dependence on conventional urea

The production of urea, India’s most widely used solid nitrogen fertiliser, depends heavily on natural gas. Any disruption to global gas markets can therefore affect fertiliser availability and prices in India. Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia are a case in point. In July 2026, the government approved the National Investment Policy for Urea-2026, which is expected to enable the establishment of up to nine new gas-based urea plants. A month earlier, the government-initiated work on a green urea roadmap to promote low-carbon urea production and strengthen domestic manufacturing. While these measures are important steps towards reducing import dependence and strengthening fertiliser security, enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency remains central to building long-term resilience.

As the government invests in strengthening domestic fertiliser production, India’s fertiliser transition must go further. The structural dependence on conventional urea must be reduced by improving nitrogen use efficiency, diversifying nutrient sources, and strengthening farmer-facing extension systems. These efforts together can ensure a resilient, self-reliant, and climate-smart nutrient management system.

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