DAP stands for Di-Ammonium Phosphate. It is one of the most widely used phosphatic fertilisers in India and is especially important for crops that need strong root development during the early growth stage.
Chemically, DAP is a fertiliser containing both nitrogen and phosphorus. Its usual nutrient composition is 18:46:0, meaning:
- 18% nitrogen
- 46% phosphorus/P₂O₅
- 0% potash/K₂O
Why DAP Is Important
DAP is mainly used as a basal fertiliser, meaning it is applied at the time of sowing or planting.
Phosphorus is essential for early root growth, seedling vigour, flowering and energy transfer inside plants. Nitrogen supports vegetative growth. Because DAP contains both nitrogen and high phosphorus, it is highly preferred by farmers during sowing.
It is commonly used for crops such as:
- wheat
- paddy
- maize
- pulses
- oilseeds
- cotton
- sugarcane
- vegetables
DAP and Soil Nutrition
DAP gives a strong phosphorus dose, but it does not provide potassium. This is why balanced fertiliser use is important.
Excessive dependence on DAP and urea can create nutrient imbalance in soil. Crops need nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and micronutrients in the right proportion.
In many parts of India, overuse of nitrogen-heavy fertilisers and imbalanced use of DAP have affected soil health. Therefore, the government promotes balanced fertilisation, soil testing and alternatives such as NPK complex fertilisers, SSP and nano fertilisers.
DAP Under Nutrient Based Subsidy
DAP comes under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) system for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers.
Under NBS, the government provides subsidy based on nutrient content such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur. This helps make fertilisers available to farmers at affordable prices.
For Kharif 2026, the Union Cabinet approved NBS rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades, for the period 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. The tentative budgetary requirement was about ₹41,534 crore.
For Rabi 2025–26, the government had approved NBS rates for the period 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, with a tentative budgetary requirement of about ₹37,952 crore.
Current Price and Subsidy Context
DAP is politically and economically sensitive because it directly affects farmers’ input cost.
The government has tried to keep DAP affordable despite high global prices. In 2026, reports noted that the government approved a higher fertiliser subsidy package for Kharif 2026 and kept DAP prices unchanged for farmers.
This matters because India depends heavily on imports for phosphatic fertilisers and raw materials. When global fertiliser prices rise due to war, freight disruption or supply-chain stress, the subsidy burden on the government increases.
Import Dependence
India is not fully self-sufficient in DAP. It imports finished DAP as well as raw materials such as phosphoric acid, ammonia and rock phosphate.
This creates vulnerability because DAP prices and availability depend on international markets.
Recent government data showed that India’s DAP imports from China declined from 22.28 lakh metric tonnes in 2023–24 to 8.47 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25. The government has also been working on long-term supply arrangements with resource-rich countries to reduce supply risks.
India has been diversifying fertiliser sources towards countries such as Russia, Morocco, Canada and others to reduce dependence on limited suppliers.
Stock Position
Fertiliser availability is closely monitored before crop seasons.
As of 23 March 2026, the government stated that India had 21.80 lakh metric tonnes of DAP in reserve, along with 53.08 LMT of urea, 7.98 LMT of MOP and 48.38 LMT of NPKS, ensuring adequate availability for agricultural needs.
This type of stock data is important because DAP shortages during sowing season can affect crop planning and farmer sentiment.
Concerns
DAP has multiple concerns for India.
The first concern is import dependence. India depends on global suppliers for finished DAP and key raw materials. Any disruption in China, West Asia, Russia, Morocco or shipping routes can affect supply and prices.
The second concern is subsidy burden. When global prices rise, the government must either increase subsidy or allow retail prices to rise. Since fertiliser prices are politically sensitive, the subsidy burden often increases.
The third concern is soil imbalance. Farmers often prefer DAP because it is familiar and subsidised, but excessive use without enough potash, sulphur and micronutrients can affect long-term soil health.
Other concerns include:
- high fiscal cost of fertiliser subsidy
- diversion or black marketing during shortage periods
- regional imbalance in fertiliser use
- pressure on foreign exchange due to imports
- dependence on imported rock phosphate and phosphoric acid
- need for better soil-test-based application
Alternatives and Way Forward
India needs to reduce excessive dependence on DAP without compromising crop productivity.
Important steps include:
- promoting balanced use of NPK fertilisers
- encouraging Single Super Phosphate, which also provides sulphur
- expanding domestic production of phosphatic fertilisers where feasible
- securing long-term import agreements for raw materials
- promoting soil health cards and precision fertilisation
- improving fertiliser distribution before sowing season
- encouraging nano and customised fertilisers after proper field validation
- improving awareness among farmers about nutrient balance
DAP will remain important, but its use must be aligned with soil needs, crop type and balanced nutrient management.
