Punjab Records Significant Shifts in Fertilizer Consumption Patterns for 2024-25
The state of Punjab has witnessed notable changes in its agricultural fertilizer usage during the 2024-25 period, according to official data submitted to the National Green Tribunal. The Punjab agriculture department's affidavit reveals a complex picture of declining consumption for some key fertilizers alongside substantial increases for others, reflecting evolving farming practices in the region.
Detailed Consumption Figures Show Contrasting Trends
According to the affidavit submitted by Punjab agriculture department director Gurjit Singh Brar and uploaded on Thursday, the state recorded a 4.97% decrease in urea consumption and a 12.49% decrease in diammonium phosphate (DAP) consumption in 2024-25 compared to the average of the previous three years (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24). In contrast, muriate of potassium (MOP) recorded a 1.75% increase, while nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizers saw a remarkable 77.61% surge during the same period.
The specific consumption figures provide further clarity:
- Urea consumption dropped to 30,05,207 metric tons in 2024-25 from a three-year average of 31,62,393 MT, representing a decrease of 1,57,186 MT.
- DAP consumption fell to 6,00,609 MT from an average of 6,86,309 MT, marking a reduction of 85,700 MT.
- MOP consumption increased by 59,581 MT, while NPK consumption rose by 71,402 MT.
Overall, Punjab's chemical fertilizer consumption decreased by 1,11,903 MT, equivalent to a 2.82% reduction compared to the previous three-year average.
NGT Submission and Agricultural Context
The affidavit was filed in response to a suo motu cognisance by the National Green Tribunal regarding a report titled "Climate change imbalance in fertiliser use impacts soil's organic carbon: ICAR study" that appeared on November 10, 2025. The submission complied with the tribunal's directions concerning scientific and judicious fertilizer use, soil health management, maintenance of soil organic carbon, and prevention of environmental degradation.
Agriculture director Gurjit Singh Brar attributed the reduction in chemical fertilizer usage to the implementation of the Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM). Meanwhile, the increased consumption of MOP and NPK was likely due to the promotion of balanced fertilizer use, which has positively influenced the state's NPK ratio.
Punjab's Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency
Despite the fluctuations in fertilizer consumption, Punjab maintains its position as one of India's most productive agricultural states. According to the affidavit, recent estimates indicate that in Punjab, each kilogram of fertilizer yields nearly 16.24 kilograms of food grain, compared to a national average of 11.05 kg.
The state's cropping intensity stands at 189% against the national average of 145%, according to data from India Stat and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics. This high intensity is partly attributed to spring/summer maize emerging as a third high-yield crop that requires substantial fertilizer inputs.
Punjab's productivity metrics remain impressive:
- Wheat productivity exceeds 5 tonnes per hectare, well above the national average of approximately 3.5 tonnes per hectare.
- Paddy yields range between 6-7 tonnes per hectare, ranking among the highest in the country.
The affidavit also noted that Punjab has recorded a steady increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) over the years, reflecting improvements in soil quality and agricultural sustainability.
National Context and Future Initiatives
According to the Fertiliser Association of India, the highest annual fertilizer consumption occurs in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, reflecting the intensity of agricultural activities in these states where multiple cropping seasons, large cultivated areas, and high-yielding varieties demand greater nutrient inputs.
Looking forward, Punjab is expanding its natural farming initiatives. During the current fiscal year (2025-26), under the National Mission on Natural Farming, 5,410 farmers from 5 districts have enrolled to adopt chemical-free, climate-resilient agriculture practices, with 5,368 acres transitioning to natural farming. The mission for 2026-27 targets expansion to 10 districts, further increasing the regional footprint and area under natural farming practices.
