Karnataka may face shortage of fertilizer during Kharif season: Cheluvarayaswamy

Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy visiting a booth at the Press Club in Bengaluru on May 18, 2026. | Photo credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J

Farmers in Karnataka may face shortage of fertilizers in the coming kharif season, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has hinted.

Participating in a Meet-the-Press event organized by the Press Club of Bangalore here on Monday, the minister said that in April, out of the allocated 4.02 million tonnes of various fertilizers, the central government supplied only 2.54 million tonnes, leaving a deficit of 1.48 million tonnes.

According to him, for May, out of the allocated 4.54 million tonnes of various types of fertilizers, the central government has so far supplied only 1.77 million tonnes while another 2.77 million tonnes is still pending.

“Due to this, there is a possibility of a shortage of fertilizers in the kharif season. The current instability in the import of fertilizers is also to blame,” the minister said.

He further said that the state was bracing for a potential fertilizer shortage in the 2026 season as supplies were adversely affected before the monsoon.

“There is instability in the import of fertilizers. However, our government is taking measures to manage the shortage,” promised the minister.

He also noted that as a result of the West Asian crisis, there has been a surge in global market demand for raw materials needed for fertilizer production, such as ammonia, liquefied natural gas (LNG), phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and other by-products.

He mentioned that he met the authorities and emphasized the need for timely allocation and dispatch of fertilizers to the state. To cover any shortfall during the peak agricultural season, a buffer stock of 56,199 tons of various types of fertilizers is currently maintained.

Responding to media queries, the minister said fertilizer dealers have been warned against creating artificial shortages, selling fertilizers to farmers in excess of the required quantity or committing any other violation of the Fertilizers (Control) Regulations (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Regulations, 1985 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

“Appropriate measures have been taken to distribute subsidized fertilizers fairly to all districts,” he informed, adding that the agriculture department and district magistrates have been instructed to strictly monitor the distribution process.

In addition, government officials, with the help of the agriculture department, have been asked to coordinate with the commercial tax department at interstate check posts to curb illegal transportation and smuggling of fertilisers. A mobile application has also been developed to facilitate hassle-free purchase of urea for farmers.

The minister also urged farmers to increasingly explore green manuring and compost, take up natural and organic farming and reduce their over-dependence on chemical fertilizers.

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Published – 18 May 2026 21:40 IST