India Approves Direct Use of Anhydrous Ammonia in Farming to Reduce Urea Dependence

The Indian government has approved the direct use of anhydrous ammonia in agriculture to address urea shortages. This step aims to reduce long queues, low stock, and rising demand for urea among farmers. Anhydrous ammonia contains 82% nitrogen, compared to urea's 46%. The government announced on July 23 that any unit can produce anhydrous ammonia for the next three years. If successful, India will join the US, Canada, and Australia as the fourth country to use ammonia directly in farming.

Key Highlights

• India approves direct use of anhydrous ammonia in agriculture to address urea shortages
• Anhydrous ammonia contains 82 percent nitrogen compared to urea's 46 percent
• Field trials at 13 ICAR institutes showed mixed results for ammonia use in direct-seeded rice
• NTPC's NETRA is building a 150 TPD green urea plant in Andhra Pradesh
• Success could reduce India's annual urea imports of about 10 million tonnes

Government Policy and Implementation

The approval is significant, but implementation poses challenges. Ammonia is hazardous due to the risk of gas leaks. Industry leaders say approval alone is not enough; the main challenge is safe application. Urea plants in India produce 2,000 to 6,000 tonnes of surplus ammonia annually, which is currently sold. The government now wants this surplus used directly in fields. However, infrastructure for injecting ammonia into soil is not yet ready.

The government has started trials to test the effectiveness and safety of this approach. In the 2025-26 Rabi season, 13 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes conducted field trials. Results showed that in some locations, direct use of green ammonia in direct-seeded rice led to better plant growth and greenery than urea. However, uneven ammonia distribution in some fields caused inconsistent growth, highlighting the need for improved technology and standardization.

Research and Future Projects

A major project is underway in Pudimadaka, Andhra Pradesh, where NTPC's research wing NETRA is setting up a 150 TPD green urea plant. This plant will combine carbon capture technology with water electrolysis. Such projects aim to support the safe and efficient use of ammonia in agriculture.

July is a crucial month for Indian agriculture, as most sowing occurs and urea demand peaks. India imports about 10 million tonnes of urea each year. If the ammonia experiment succeeds, it could significantly reduce the country's reliance on imports in the coming years. This shift could offer relief to farmers facing fertilizer shortages.

Despite the promise, experts caution that safe infrastructure and proper standardization are essential for successful implementation. The move is a positive start, but it is not an immediate solution. Continued research and investment in technology will be necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness at the ground level.