Now Reading: Fertilizer sales drop 13% in July on weak monsoon, low sowing
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Fertilizer sales drop 13% in July on weak monsoon, low sowing
India's fertilizer sales fell 13% in July to 77.44 lakh tonnes from 89.41 lakh tonnes a year ago, according to official data. Urea sales dropped 9% to 49.28 lt, DAP by 1.4%…
The Story in Brief
India's fertilizer sales fell 13% in July to 77.44 lakh tonnes from 89.41 lakh tonnes a year ago, according to official data. Urea sales dropped 9% to 49.28 lt, DAP by 1.4% to 10.7 lt, MOP by 21% to 1.95 lt, and complex fertilizers by 29% to 15.51 lt. The decline comes during the peak kharif planting month, raising concerns about production.
The total area under kharif crops is down 1.8% to 967.92 lakh hectares as of August 7. India's monsoon rainfall has been 12% below normal since June 1, with 338 of 741 districts recording over 20% deficit. The Hindu Businessline reports that a former ICAR official warned of a 5-7% yield drop in key crops, while Fertiliser Association of India expects normal output with available nutrients.
The Indian Opinion
Two conflicting narratives are emerging: one of alarm from experts pointing to a missed sowing window and yield losses, and another of reassurance from the fertiliser industry that nutrients are sufficient for normal production. The truth likely lies in between. Rather than betting on either extreme, watch the August rainfall and final acreage data by end of month. That single number will settle whether this is a blip or a serious setback.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
