Archive · 27 Jul 2026
India Approves Ammonia for Farming to Reduce Urea Imports
India has recently approved the use of ammonia, which contains 82% nitrogen, as a fertilizer in agriculture.
This move aims to reduce the country's reliance on urea imports, which are currently high due to limited availability and increased demand.
The approval allows for the manufacturing of anhydrous ammonia for three years.
However, implementing this change poses significant challenges, including the need for new infrastructure to handle the gas safely and the risks associated with gas leaks.
Trials have shown mixed results, with some crops benefiting from higher biomass and greenness, while others exhibited non-uniform growth.
The government is investing in green ammonia plants and pilot projects to further test and standardize the use of ammonia in farming.
This initiative, if successful, could make India the fourth country after the US, Canada, and Australia to use ammonia directly in agriculture.
India approves ammonia with 82% nitrogen for agricultural use to reduce urea imports.
The approval is valid for three years and aims to address high demand and limited urea availability.
Implementation challenges include infrastructure needs and risks of gas leaks.
Trials show mixed results with some crops benefiting from higher biomass and greenness.
The government is investing in green ammonia plants and pilot projects to standardize ammonia use in farming.
- Who
- Indian government and agricultural industry
- What
- Approval of ammonia use in agriculture to reduce urea imports
- When
- July 23, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To cut urea imports and address high demand and limited availability of urea
Proponents of Ammonia Use
Critics of Ammonia Use
Efficacy and Environmental Benefits
Proponents of Ammonia Use
Proponents argue that ammonia is an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to urea, with potential benefits such as higher biomass and greenness in crops.
Critics of Ammonia Use
Critics point out that the non-uniform growth observed in trials indicates the need for further standardization and testing, particularly in lowland crops like rice and maize.
Infrastructure and Implementation
Proponents of Ammonia Use
Supporters believe that with proper infrastructure and investment, ammonia can be successfully integrated into agricultural practices, reducing reliance on urea imports.
Critics of Ammonia Use
Opponents highlight the significant risks and challenges involved in handling ammonia, including the potential for gas leaks and the lack of existing infrastructure for its application.
- Date of Notification
- July 23, 2026
- Nitrogen Content in Ammonia
- 82%
- Duration of Approval
- 3 years
- Investment Required for Green Ammonia Plant
- ₹13,000—₹15,000 crore
- Capacity of Green Ammonia Plant
- 1,200 tonnes per day
- Countries Using Ammonia Directly in Farming
- US, Canada, Australia
- Urea Imports
- 100 lakh tonnes annually
- Domestic Urea Production
- 300 lakh tonnes annually