Sales of all fertilisers are down in April-September compared to the same period of 2025. That includes urea, the most widely used and cheapest fertiliser. The drop in sales — despite higher year-on-year production and imports — is a clear indication of subdued farmer demand because of the El Niño-induced dry weather conditions. All-India rainfall was 12.6 per cent below-normal during the southwest monsoon season (June-September), with significant shortfalls across the South, Marathwada and Vidarbha, Saurashtra and Kutch, Rajasthan, Bihar and the Northeastern states. Its impact is, perhaps, best reflected in fertiliser consumption. Nutrient offtake was low because the monsoon rains........

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