This will ensure assured supply amid the current global fertiliser crisis

There is no shortage of fertilisers, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday, days after India firmed up multiple deals with Jordan in a bid to ensure assured supply for the ensuing cropping seasons.

A high-level delegation led by Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya visited Jordan from May 13 to 15, intending to secure fertilisers and raw materials for the short and long term. The visit took place against the backdrop of the current global fertiliser crisis, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said.

The Jordan visit was historic in terms of assuring India's supply of phosphoric and potassium fertilisers, Mandaviya was quoted as saying.

Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) inked MoUs with Indian public, cooperative, and private sector enterprises for deliveries of 30 LMT of rock phosphate, 2.50 LMT of DAP, and 1 LMT of phosphoric acid for the present year.

India has also inked a 5-year MOU with Jordan for a yearly supply of 2.75 LMT, which would gradually grow to 3.25 LMT each year, said the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Mandaviya said that these supplies will be crucial for assured fertiliser supply for the ensuing cropping seasons in India.

“We have taken proactive steps to ensure adequate supply to the farmers ahead of the Kharif season both with ramping up domestic production and partnerships with other countries”, Mandaviya pointed out

During the discussions, the Union Minister named Jordan as "India's preferred fertiliser partner." Given the two countries' long history of commerce and people-to-people interaction, he stressed the need to bolster this link, particularly during these difficult times for the fertiliser industry.

In order to obtain larger quantities for the Indian market, Jordan was asked to take the lead in establishing India-specific fertiliser supply terms and to consider expanding Jordan's production capacity with India as the main market. Both parties agreed that there is potential to collaborate in the fields of fertilisers, agriculture, and health care, according to the ministry.