India has successfully developed its first indigenous water-soluble fertilizer technology after seven years of research, marking a significant breakthrough that could drastically reduce the country’s dependence on Chinese imports.

Currently, nearly 95% of India’s specialty fertilizers are imported directly or indirectly from China. This new technology, led by Rajib Chakraborty, President of the Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA), enables production of almost all soluble fertilizers through a single process, unlike conventional methods requiring separate processes for each product.

The innovation is a zero-effluent, zero-emission project, aligning with India’s sustainability goals and has been recognized as a project of national importance.

The technology, backed by the Ministry of Mines, uses Indian raw materials and is designed entirely in India, making it a true “Make in India” milestone aimed at transforming India from an import-dependent buyer to an export-oriented player in specialty fertilizers. Large-scale production is planned within two years, with joint ventures underway to accelerate commercial rollout.

This indigenous development also reduces financial burdens related to foreign technology licensing and paves the way for continuous domestic innovation in the fertilizer sector.