The Indian fertilizer market is projected to register a CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period (2021-2026).

The impact of the global coronavirus pandemic on the Indian fertilizer market is low, as the national government exempted this sector from lockdown restrictions. However, the sector faced challenges in shortage of labor and raw materials due to the lockdown. The government of India took measures to ensure fertilizers are available to the farmers in the midst of lockdown, which resulted in the increased sales of fertilizers. India is the second-largest consumer of fertilizers globally, with an annual consumption of more than 55.0 million metric ton. Among the various types of fertilizers used in India, urea, a nitrogen source, is one of the most consumed fertilizers in the country. The consumption of urea in the country as of March 2018 was 29.0 million metric ton. DAP is the second majorly consumed fertilizer in the country. According to the Department of Fertilizers, in 2017, the total production of urea and DAP in India was 20.7 million metric ton and 14.6 million metric ton, respectively, which was 1.36% higher compared to 2016

Inorganic Fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers are chemical fertilizers that contain nutrient elements for the growth of crops made by chemical means. The inorganic fertilizers are of the following types:

Nitrogen Fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers contain nitrogen necessary for the development of crops. Nitrogen is the main constituent of chlorophyll that maintains a balance in the process of photosynthesis. It is also a part of amino acids in plants and constitutes protein. Nitrogen fertilizers improve the production and quality of agricultural products.

Phosphorus Fertilizer

The main nutrient in a phosphorus fertilizer is phosphorus. The efficiency of fertilizer depends upon effective phosphorus content, methods of fertilizing, properties of soil and crop strains. Phosphorus found in the protoplasm of the cell plays an important role in cell growth and proliferation. The phosphorus fertilizer is beneficial for the growth of roots of the plants.

Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are natural fertilizers obtained from plants and animals. It enriches the soil with carbonic compounds essential for plant growth. Organic fertilizers increase the organic matter content of the soil, promotes the reproduction of microorganisms, and changes the physical and chemical properties of the soil. It is considered to be one of the main nutrients for green food.

Fertilizers are used for various purposes. The uses of fertilizers are mentioned below:

• They are used to providing additional nutrients to the plants.

• They are added to improve the yield of the crops.

• Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are used for the greening of lawns.

• Organic fertilizers improve the texture and fertility of the soil.

• Gardeners use fertilizers to address certain needs of the plants such as nutritional needs.

• Fertilizers are added to potted plants to replace the lost nutrients.