India Approves Use of Anhydrous Ammonia Fertiliser for Agriculture

Key Facts

• On 23 July 2026, India approved the manufacture and use of anhydrous ammonia as a fertiliser for agricultural use for a period of three years.
• Anhydrous ammonia contains about 82% nitrogen and is among the most concentrated nitrogen fertilisers used in agriculture.
• India produces approximately 30 million tonnes of urea annually and imports about 10 million tonnes to satisfy domestic demand.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission promotes green hydrogen and its derivatives, including Green Ammonia and Green Urea.
• The government plans to procure 7.24 lakh metric tonnes of Green Ammonia annually under the National Green Hydrogen Mission to support Green Urea production.
• A differential subsidy mechanism is proposed where the Solar Energy Corporation of India supplies Green Ammonia at market-linked Grey Ammonia prices, while the Department of Fertilizers covers the price difference.
• In May 2026, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended ammonium sulphate as a substitute for urea in rice cultivation.

Background & Context

Anhydrous ammonia is a gaseous nitrogen fertiliser stored under pressure and injected below the soil surface using specialised applicators. It contains 82% nitrogen, making it an efficient direct nitrogen source for crops. However, it requires careful handling with sealed storage systems and trained personnel due to its caustic nature, which can cause burns and inhalation hazards.

Urea, the most widely used nitrogen fertiliser in India, contains about 46% nitrogen. It is widely consumed because of government subsidies and ease of application. Nonetheless, concerns over environmental impact and sustainability are prompting India to explore alternate fertilisers like Green Ammonia and Green Urea, produced using clean energy sources.

The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Government of India, aims to promote green hydrogen and its derivatives for various sectors, including agriculture, to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This development is important for competitive examinations related to Indian agriculture, environmental conservation, energy policy, and government subsidy mechanisms. It tests knowledge of fertiliser types and composition, government missions such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and recent policy changes in fertiliser production and subsidy systems.

Points to Remember

• Anhydrous ammonia has a high nitrogen content of approximately 82%, whereas urea contains about 46% nitrogen.
• India approved the use of anhydrous ammonia as a fertiliser for three years starting from 23 July 2026.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission supports the development and procurement of Green Ammonia to facilitate the production of Green Urea.
• There is a differential subsidy policy in place for Green Ammonia involving the Solar Energy Corporation of India and the Department of Fertilizers.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research recommended ammonium sulphate as an alternative nitrogen fertiliser to urea specifically for rice crops in May 2026.