“₹280 Urea Now ₹1200?” — How War Is Hitting Indian Farmers & Food Prices Explained

The ongoing tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran are now directly affecting Indian agriculture. The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has slowed down the movement of ships carrying fertilisers and pesticides.

This has created supply shortages in India just before the important Kharif season, when farmers prepare to sow crops like soybean, rice, and maize.

Fertiliser Shortage: Prices Shoot Up

Farmers on the ground are already feeling the impact. Avatansh Kumar, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh, said, “There is a shortage of both fertilisers and pesticides in the market. A single bag of Urea, which is usually sold for ₹280, is now being sold for up to ₹1,200 in the black market.”

Prices of other key fertilisers have also increased sharply. DAP, which earlier cost around ₹1,300, is now selling between ₹2,100 and ₹2,200 per bag.

This sudden rise has increased farming costs significantly, especially for farmers who need multiple bags per acre.

Why India Is Facing This Crisis

India depends heavily on imports for fertilisers. A large portion comes from Gulf countries, where production depends on natural gas and stable shipping routes.

Due to the conflict, transport costs have increased and supply chains are disrupted. This is the main reason why fertilisers are not reaching markets on time.

Pesticide Prices Also Rising

The impact is not limited to fertilisers. Pesticide prices have also increased by 15% to 25%.

A dealer from Jhabua said, “Since the conflict began, pesticide prices have gone up sharply.” Products like Paraquat, Glyphosate, and other chemical mixes have become more expensive.

Because of this, the cost of farming per acre has increased from around ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.

Biggest Impact on Small Farmers

Small farmers are the worst affected. They have limited money and depend on affordable inputs.

One farmer said, “I want to sow crops, but rising costs are making profits uncertain.” When input costs go up, farmers either reduce cultivation or take financial risks.

What Effect Fertilisers and Pesticides Have on Crops

Fertilisers are essential for plant growth. They provide nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Without enough fertiliser, crops grow weak and yields fall.

Pesticides protect crops from insects and diseases. If farmers use less pesticide due to high prices, crops can get damaged, leading to lower production.

In simple terms:

• Less fertiliser = weaker crops and lower yield
• Less pesticide = more crop damage and losses

This directly affects food production.

Threat to Kharif Season

The timing of this crisis is critical. Farmers are preparing for Kharif crops, which depend heavily on timely fertiliser use.

If shortages continue, crop output may fall, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh where agriculture is a major activity.

Ground Reality vs Government Data

While official data says there is enough stock, farmers and traders say supplies are not reaching markets properly.

A trader said, “Earlier we received 4,000–5,000 bags, now we are getting only 500.” This gap between data and ground reality is worsening the situation.

Experts Warn Bigger Crisis Ahead

Agriculture expert Devinder Sharma warned, “The crisis has only just begun, and prices are likely to rise further.”

He also suggested promoting natural farming to reduce dependence on imported fertilisers.

Will This Affect Common People?

Yes, this crisis can impact everyone.

If farmers spend more and produce less, food prices will rise. Vegetables, grains, and daily essentials may become more expensive in the coming months.