Govt Bears Fertilizer Cost Hike to Protect Farmers

In a clear message of support for the farming community, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the government has shouldered the entire burden of increased global fertilizer prices. Addressing journalists in New Delhi, he emphasized that no cost escalation has been passed on to Indian farmers despite sharp international price movements. Goyal linked this farmer-centric approach to India’s broader economic diplomacy, citing nine free trade agreements and Prime Minister Modi’s successful visits to five countries. These initiatives, he said, exemplify India’s emergence as a self-reliant economy that engages globally on balanced terms while delivering positive outcomes across sectors. The minister attributed India’s current strength to a decade-plus of structural reforms, strategic planning, and result-oriented governance. He singled out the proposed India-Canada free trade agreement as a major opportunity that will attract investment and foster shared growth between the two nations. Despite geopolitical strains in the Middle East, fertilizer availability in India remains secure. Government data shows a stock of 199.65 lakh metric tonnes, comfortably covering over half of seasonal requirements. This level significantly surpasses the usual buffer stock and stems from enhanced pre-positioning and efficient supply-chain coordination. Post-crisis production and import surges have boosted total supplies by approximately 97 lakh metric tonnes. Of this increase, domestic manufacturing accounted for 76.78 lakh metric tonnes and port arrivals contributed 19.94 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted access for farmers nationwide.