Structural dominance of primary fertilisers and micronutrient imbalances in Indian agriculture: An assessment

Abstract

This study examines the structural dominance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilisers in India’s fertiliser economy which results from spatially uneven use patterns and leads to persistent micronutrient imbalances. The secondary data procured from national fertiliser statistics and soil test summaries confirms the long-term trends in production, installed capacity, utilisation, consumption and imports of N, P and potassium (K). Time series evidence shows a pronounced, policy driven bias toward nitrogenous fertilisers, with high-capacity utilisation and subsidised availability reinforcing an heavy, nitrogen fertiliser consumption relative to agronomic recommendations. Spatial autocorrelation (Global Moran’s I) and Getis Ord Gi* hotspot analysis of district level primary fertiliser use for 2023 reveal significant clusters of intensive N-P application in irrigated, procurement linked grain belts particularly Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and the traditional northwestern region contrasting with extensive cold spots in rainfed and less commercialised areas. Overlaying state level maps of soil micronutrient deficiencies (Zn, B, Fe, Cu, Mn) with micronutrient fertiliser consumption uncovers systematic mismatches, the most deficient states are rarely the largest users of corresponding micronutrient inputs, indicating a decoupling between depletion and replenishment. These patterns suggest a dual imbalance: excessive and spatially concentrated N-P use and a crop and region-specific misalignment between micronutrient needs and markets, shaped by subsidy design, market infrastructure and cropping commercialisation. The findings underline the need to reorient fertiliser policy and investment from bulk primary nutrient supply toward spatially differentiated, system level strategies for balanced macro and micronutrient management.