Fertiliser movement from the Centre to the states on Indian Railways hit an all-time high in the first nine months of the financial year 2025-26, exceeding 530.16 lakh metric tons, surpassing the 500 lakh metric ton mark for the first time. This marks a 12.2% increase over the same period in FY 2024–25 and an 8.5% rise from the previous record in FY 2023–24.
The Centre ensured ample availability of major fertilisers across states, supplying 350.45 lakh metric tons of urea, surpassing the requirement of 312.40 lakh metric tons from April to December 2025. Additionally, major P&K fertilisers like DAP, MOP & NPKS saw a total supply of 287.69 lakh metric tonnes, exceeding the requirement of 252.81 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted availability.
Efficient movement of fertiliser rakes facilitated timely supplies to states, preventing shortages for farmers during crucial cultivation stages. The Department of Fertilisers collaborated closely with the Ministry of Railways, ensuring adequate fertiliser availability nationwide.
Average rake loading on Indian Railways rose to 80 rakes per day in September 2025, with urea rake movement increasing by 8% to 10,841 rakes and P&K fertilisers by 18% to 8,806 rakes. Enhanced coordination among various stakeholders guaranteed seamless and timely supply during peak agricultural seasons.
The government’s top priority remains ensuring timely fertiliser availability to farmers. Improved coordination between the Ministry of Railways and the Department of Fertilisers during Kharif 2025 and the ongoing Rabi season has significantly enhanced last-mile availability to farmers at the ground level.
