India Achieves Breakthrough with Indigenous Water-Soluble Fertiliser Technology

India has developed its first indigenous water-soluble fertiliser process, a milestone that could drastically reduce dependence on Chinese imports and pave the way for the country to become an export-oriented player in specialty fertilisers. The innovation, created after seven years of research and backed by the Ministry of Mines, is being hailed as a significant “Make in India” achievement. Currently, nearly 95% of India’s specialty fertilisers come directly or indirectly from China. The breakthrough was spearheaded by Rajib Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), who faced years of research challenges and financial risks. Despite multiple failures during the R&D phase, his persistence resulted in a single-process technology that can manufacture almost all soluble fertilisers, unlike conventional systems that require separate processes for each product. The new process has been recognized as a project of national importance, with a pilot plant already developed and plans for large-scale production in the next two years. Joint venture discussions with major fertiliser firms are underway to accelerate commercial rollout. Once operational, the technology is expected to boost self-reliance in specialty fertilisers and support India’s agricultural sector by cutting costs and ensuring supply stability. Crucially, the project has been designed as a zero-emission, zero-effluent system, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. By eliminating dependence on borrowed foreign technologies and their costly licensing fees, this homegrown development not only reduces financial burdens but also ensures continuous innovation and upgradation within the domestic fertiliser industry.