The current supply shock in fertilisers is unprecedented. 3 min read Apr 27, 2026 06:05 AM IST First published on: Apr 27, 2026 at 06:05 AM IST Crops need water and nutrients for growth and sufficient grain yields. The signals on both fronts aren’t encouraging for the upcoming agricultural year. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a “below normal” southwest monsoon, with nationwide rainfall during June-September at 92 per cent of the long period average for the season. Even if the anticipated El Niño becomes a “strong” event only towards the end of the four-month season, its association with warmer-than-normal winters can also have an impact on the 2026-27 rabi crop, in addition to the one whose planting will start in a month’s time. But more than water – improved irrigation coverage has over the years made Indian agriculture relatively resilient against subnormal rains – it is plant nutrients that should be real cause for concern. The current supply shock in fertilisers is unprecedented.…