India Launches First Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertiliser Technology

India’s agricultural sector, the backbone of its economy, has long been challenged by soil degradation, inefficient fertiliser use, and heavy reliance on imported specialty fertilisers, particularly from China. The recent unveiling of India’s first indigenous water-soluble fertiliser (WSF) technology, developed after seven years of rigorous research by the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), marks a historic breakthrough. Supported by the Ministry of Mines and driven by a vision to transform India into an export-dominating force, this “Make in India” innovation promises to revolutionize agriculture, reduce import dependency, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Water-soluble fertilisers dissolve completely in water, enabling precise nutrient delivery through irrigation systems like drip or sprinklers. Unlike conventional fertilisers, WSFs ensure optimal nutrient absorption, minimizing wastage and environmental harm. Until now, India has imported 80% of its specialty fertilisers directly from China, with the remaining 20% indirectly sourced through Chinese suppliers, costing an estimated ₹10,000 crore annually. The indigenous WSF technology, developed using Indian raw materials and Indian-designed plants, offers a true “Make in India” solution that could significantly reduce this dependency while making advanced fertilisers affordable for farmers.

“My aim was to make India, especially for specialty fertilisers, an export-dominating country, not an import-dependent country,” said Rajiv Chakraborty, President of the SFIA, who spearheaded the research initiative. His vision reflects the strategic importance of this technology, which not only aims to achieve self-reliance but also positions India to capture a share of the global WSF market. The technology has undergone multiple layers of government scrutiny and received Ministry of Mines support for developing a pilot plant, which is now ready for scale-up. This milestone paves the way for large-scale production, with commercial rollout expected within two years as joint ventures with leading fertiliser companies take shape.

The development process was fraught with challenges. “R&D means a failure game a thousand times. Have you only succeeded once after failing for a thousand times? So it’s common to every R&D process,” Chakraborty told the media. The financial toll was immense, with Chakraborty risking his business to pursue the breakthrough. “I risked my entire life in doing that, developing something, and I was almost out of the business at one point of time, because I was not able to focus on developing my business as a soluble fertiliser player,” he revealed. His perseverance highlights the dedication behind this innovation, which promises to reshape India’s agricultural sector.

This technology targets a wide range of crops, with a focus on high-value horticultural crops such as grapes, bananas, pomegranates, mangoes, tomatoes, chillies, and floriculture products like flowers, which command premium prices. It is also adaptable for field crops like cotton, soybeans, wheat, rice, and maize, ensuring versatility across India’s diverse agricultural sectors. The SFIA’s SOMS (Soluble Fertilizer, Organic Fertilizer, Micronutrient, and Bio-Stimulants) approach integrates multiple nutrient sources to enhance efficiency, improve soil health, and produce residue-free crops, making it ideal for both horticultural and field applications.

What sets this technology apart is its game-changing features. Unlike conventional methods that require different processes for each fertiliser type, this technology enables the production of nearly all soluble fertilisers through a single, streamlined process. “This technology is special in terms of many things. First, one single process produces almost all the soluble fertiliser. Usually for every product there is a different technology, but this technology enables production of all products in one process,” Chakraborty explained. This innovation enhances efficiency and reduces production costs, making WSFs more accessible to farmers.

Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of this technology. Operating as a zero-effluent project with no emissions, it addresses growing concerns about pollution and effluent disposal in industrial operations. “This particular technology is a zero-effluent project. There is no emission from this project. So that’s why this was one of the grounds that the Ministry of Mines has taken into consideration and given it a project of national importance,” Chakraborty noted. This green credential aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and helped secure government backing.

The technology’s impact is particularly significant for smallholder farmers, who make up over 80% of India’s farming community. Affordable WSFs can boost crop yields by 20-30%, reduce fertiliser overuse, and mitigate soil degradation and water pollution. Integrated with precision irrigation, it supports water conservation and climate-resilient farming. For example, trials with the National Research Centre for Grapes have shown improved yields and soil health in grape cultivation using the SOMS approach. With 95% of India’s specialty fertiliser needs currently met by Chinese imports, this technology addresses critical vulnerabilities exposed by recent supply disruptions, such as China’s export halts, which caused price surges and shortages.

Scaling this technology presents challenges. Expanding production capacity, ensuring affordability, and building distribution networks are essential. Farmer education is critical, as many smallholders lack awareness of WSFs or access to training. The SFIA’s initiative to consult at least 1,000 farmers annually per member emphasizes grassroots outreach. The government and private sector must collaborate to provide subsidies, extension services, and demonstrations. Ongoing field trials across India’s diverse agro-climatic zones will validate the technology’s efficacy for various crops and soils.

Policy support is vital for success. Integrating WSFs into programs like the Soil Health Card and micro-irrigation initiatives could accelerate adoption. Incentives for manufacturers and tax breaks for farmers adopting sustainable practices could amplify impact. Chakraborty’s advocacy for reducing reliance on subsidised fertilisers aligns with the SOMS model’s potential to optimize subsidy expenditures while promoting long-term soil health. With geopolitical challenges highlighting the risks of import dependency, startups like Ishita International, capable of producing key WSF grades like Mono Ammonium Phosphate and Calcium Nitrate, are crucial to bridging supply gaps.

India’s indigenous water-soluble fertiliser technology, driven by the SFIA and backed by the Ministry of Mines, is a landmark achievement. By targeting high-value crops like grapes, bananas, and flowers, as well as field crops like wheat and rice, it addresses diverse agricultural needs. With its zero-effluent design, single-process versatility, and potential to reduce Chinese import dependency, this “Make in India” innovation promises to empower farmers, foster sustainability, and position India as a global leader in specialty fertilisers. As Rajiv Chakraborty envisions, with strategic implementation, India can transform from an import-dependent nation to an export powerhouse, redefining its agricultural future.

Naorem Mohen

Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.