New Delhi, 30 January (H.S.): Ensuring timely fertilizer availability for farmers ranks among the central government's top priorities. This commitment yielded tangible results during Kharif and Rabi 2025 through enhanced coordination between the Ministry of Railways and the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Swift and seamless movement of fertilizer rakes guaranteed on-time supplies to states, preventing any shortages during critical farming phases.

The Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, disclosed on Friday that collaboration with the Railway Ministry enabled sufficient fertilizer distribution to every corner of the country. This unprecedented synergy has further fortified the Government of India's resolve toward food security.

Data reveals that July 2025 averaged 72 fertilizer rakes loaded daily, rising to 78 in August and peaking at 80 per day in September—the highest across the past five Kharif seasons.

During FY 2025-26, from April to December 2025, all states received adequate and satisfactory supplies of key fertilizers. Urea availability stood at 35.045 million metric tons against an estimated requirement of 31.240 million metric tons.

Similarly, for major P&K fertilizers like DAP, MOP, and NPKS, 28.769 million metric tons were made available versus a need of 25.281 million metric tons.Fertilizer transportation also accelerated markedly.

Between April and December 2025, total supplies reached 53.016 million metric tons, surpassing the 50 million metric ton milestone for the first time—a 12.2% increase over the same period in FY 2024-25 (47.258 million metric tons) and 8.5% above FY 2023-24's prior record.This period saw 10,841 rakes operated for urea, approximately 8% higher than last year.

For P&K fertilizers, 8,806 rakes ran, reflecting nearly 18% growth compared to FY 2024-25.Monthly comparisons from July to January (up to January 13) confirm sustained and consistent increases in fertilizer rake movements versus the previous year's equivalent period.

Enhanced coordination among the Railway Ministry, ports, state governments, and fertilizer companies—coupled with timely planning and continuous monitoring—made these improvements possible.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar