Agriculture Ministry Permits Anhydrous Ammonia as Fertilizer to Cut Urea Imports

29 July 2026National

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) permitted the manufacture and agricultural use of Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer under Clause 20A of the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, for a three-year period. The fertilizer must have a minimum nitrogen content of 82%, making it a highly concentrated nitrogen source that can reduce India's dependence on imported urea. India produces nearly 300 lakh tonnes (LT) of urea annually but imports about 100 LT to meet demand. Separately, a 150 TPD Green Urea pilot plant will be set up at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh by NETRA (NTPC's research arm), integrating Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCUS) with water electrolysis.

Static GK

Nitrogen content of urea: ~46% | Neem-coated urea made mandatory: 2015 | India's most-used fertilizer: urea | Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) applies to P&K fertilizers, not urea

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India permitted Anhydrous Ammonia (minimum 82% nitrogen) as a fertilizer for 3 years under Clause 20A of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, to cut urea imports; a Green Urea pilot plant is planned at Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh.

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