Fertilizer Crisis Hits Himachal Amid Global Tensions

March 25, 2026

Shimla: The effects of the Israel-Iran war are now reaching the fields and orchards of Himachal Pradesh. Farmers and orchardists in the state are currently struggling to obtain various fertilizers. This is troubling apple orchardists as well as those growing cash crops like wheat, cauliflower, and peas.

Severe Supply Gap Across the State

The state is facing a shortage of essential fertilizers like urea, 12-32-16 (three nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash), and MOP (muriate of potash). Farmers are searching for these fertilizers, making daily visits to government enterprises and the fertilizer distribution agency, Himfed, but returning empty-handed.

Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumer Federation Limited (HIMFED) is not getting adequate supply from the Central Government, even though it had sent a demand for about 3700 metric tonnes of urea and 1400 metric tonnes of 12-32-16 fertilizer a few days ago.

The state has received only 800 metric tons of urea and 240 metric tons of 12-32-16. This is a drop in the ocean. Himfed claims that MOP fertilizer will arrive in three to four days and will be made available to farmers and orchardists.

Supply Chain Disrupted by Gulf Tensions

According to experts, the raw materials and gas needed for fertilizer production largely come from Gulf countries. The current escalating tensions and potential conflict in the Gulf region have disrupted the supply chain, directly impacting imports.

The shortage of fertilizers has increased especially due to the availability of raw materials like gas and phosphate-potash used in urea production being affected.

Direct Impact on Agriculture and Horticulture

Apples are the most in need of these fertilizers in the state. Besides apples, crops like wheat, potatoes, peas, and cauliflower also require urea, 12-32-16, and MOP these days. Farmers are worried about nutrient deficiencies in their crops due to the lack of fertilizers. This has increased the risk of impacting production.

Farmers Express Concern Over Shortage

Farmers are worried due to non-availability of fertilizers: Bisht

Lokendra Bisht, president of the Progressive Growers Association (PGA), said that these days there is a rush for all fertilizers, and this is the perfect time to apply fertilizer. Especially since there has been good rainfall recently, fertilizer should be applied to gardens as soon as possible, but farmers are struggling to find fertilizer.

Himfed Responds, Supplies Expected Soon

What does Himfed Chairman say?

According to Himfed Chairman Maheshwar Chauhan, the ongoing war-like situation in the Gulf countries has affected fertilizer supplies. He added that if the situation doesn’t improve soon, fertilizer shortages could worsen in the coming days.

He also clarified that fertilizer allocations are made by the central government, and the state receives supplies accordingly. Himfed has placed a request for fertilizers, and efforts are ongoing to ensure availability. He added that four trucks of urea were sent to Sawda, Guma, Badiyara, and Theog on Tuesday, while MOP fertilizer is expected to arrive in three to four days.