ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reviewed fertiliser availability for the 2026–27 Rabi cropping season, with official estimates putting urea demand at approximately 3.596 million tonnes, compared with 3.563 million tonnes in the previous Rabi season.
The Fertiliser Review Committee met under National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain to examine supplies, prices, distribution and seasonal requirements. The ministry expressed satisfaction with the overall position, although urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) face different balances.
Urea supply above forecast demand
Total urea availability is projected at approximately 3.95 million tonnes, including an opening balance of about 765,000 tonnes and expected domestic production of around 3.185 million tonnes. This is higher than projected seasonal consumption on a national basis.
Nevertheless, adequate aggregate supply does not guarantee timely availability in every district. Transportation, distribution bottlenecks and local price manipulation can affect farmers even when national stocks appear sufficient.
A tighter DAP outlook
Projected DAP consumption is approximately 838,000 tonnes, compared with reported availability of about 766,000 tonnes. The difference points to a potential gap if these estimates remain unchanged. It does not establish that a nationwide shortage has already occurred; procurement, imports and revised demand could alter the outlook.
DAP plays an important role in crop establishment, so farmers need access at the appropriate stage of planting. Urea is also essential to crop management throughout the season.
Why it matters for wheat
The Rabi season is particularly important for wheat production. Farmers decide how much fertiliser to use based on input prices, expected returns, water availability and access to finance. Delayed or unaffordable supplies can affect productivity, rural incomes and food security.
Delivery is the real test
The government’s review offers an encouraging aggregate outlook for urea but flags a tighter DAP balance. Continued monitoring of production, stocks, distribution and market prices will determine whether farmers can obtain the required inputs when they need them.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2038647/fertiliser-availability-for-rabi-reviewed