No fertilizer shortage expected for upcoming season

March 25, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan is expected to have a comfortable and uninterrupted supply of urea and DAP fertilizers for both the ongoing Rabi 2025–26 season and the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, with sufficient buffer stocks and stable production ensuring no shortages during peak sowing periods.

Rana Tanveer Hussain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining fertilizer availability while chairing a high-level review of the supply–demand situation, according to a press release issued.

He emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing around 19–20% to GDP and employing nearly 37–38% of the labor force.

The review meeting, attended by provincial representatives, industry leaders, and officials from the National Fertilizer Development Centre, noted that the fertilizer sector continues to maintain strong supply–demand alignment.

Urea availability during Rabi 2025–26 remained above demand, supporting smooth wheat cultivation, while DAP supplies also met farmers’ needs. Provinces reported positive agricultural activity, driven by improved crop economics and seasonal demand trends.

Pakistan cultivates approximately 22–23 million hectares annually across Rabi and Kharif seasons.

Wheat dominates the Rabi season, while rice, cotton, and sugarcane are key Kharif crops. Fertilizer demand reflects these cycles, with annual urea consumption estimated at 6.5–7.0 million tons and DAP demand at 1.2–1.5 million tons, largely met through domestic production.

Officials highlighted that the country’s fertilizer industry maintains a production capacity of about 7 million tons of urea annually, ensuring consistent supply through efficient resource management and coordinated operations.

Looking ahead, the government is closely monitoring global fertilizer markets and facilitating imports, particularly for DAP, to maintain supply stability.

Efforts are also underway to improve logistics and distribution systems to ensure timely availability across all regions.

The minister stressed the importance of keeping fertilizers affordable, noting that domestic urea prices remain significantly lower than international rates due to continued government support.

He also directed stakeholders to ensure transparency and efficiency in distribution so that farmers receive inputs without delay.

The government reiterated that with strong production capacity, adequate stock buffers, and effective coordination, Pakistan’s fertilizer sector is well-positioned to meet agricultural demands and support a smooth cropping cycle in the coming seasons.

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