Morocco Diversifies Fertiliser Supplies to India Amid China Shortage
Image Source: Internet
India is set to receive a significant boost in phosphate-based fertiliser supplies from Morocco, as the North African country looks to reduce its dependence on China. OCP Nutricrops, Morocco's flagship fertiliser firm, plans to deliver nearly 3 million tonnes of fertiliser to India by next month through a strategic partnership. The move comes as India, the world's second-largest importer of fertilisers, faces a severe shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) from China. The Chinese export squeeze has sparked a global scramble for new supply sources, with Morocco emerging as a key player. Morocco, home to nearly 70% of the world's phosphate reserves, has signed a global deal with six Indian partners, including state-owned National Fertilisers Ltd, to deliver 2.5 million tonnes of fertilisers. By the end of 2025, Moroccan supplies are expected to reach 2.8 million tonnes. The partnership is part of India's efforts to diversify its fertiliser supplies and reduce its reliance on imports. Indian firms are also investing in mineral-rich nations such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan to secure fertiliser supplies. OCP Nutricrops, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the OCP Group, a Moroccan state-owned phosphate company, has been conducting field trials in India to evaluate a special formulation of triple super phosphate. The company has also partnered with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to develop new fertiliser products. The deal is a significant step towards reducing India's dependence on China and will help the country meet its annual demand for crop nutrients. India currently imports a third of its fertiliser requirements and offers a discount to farmers through the fertiliser subsidy bill.
