Ammonium Nitrate Import Raises Concern | 21 Sep 2024

Source: TH

The sharp rise in ammonium nitrate (AN) imports from Russia has raised concerns for India's domestic fertiliser industry, which faces competition from cheaper imports.

Indian fertiliser companies are investing over Rs 4,000 crore to boost AN capacity, vital for mining coal, iron ore, and limestone.
Ammonium Nitrate (AN):
- Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is the nitrate salt of the ammonium ion, consisting of ammonia and nitric acid. It is a white crystalline solid highly soluble in water.
- Uses:
  - Fertiliser: Its high nitrogen content makes it extensively used in agriculture.
  - Explosives: Mixed with fuel oil to produce Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO), commonly employed in mining and demolition.
  - Cold Packs: These are found in instant cold packs and are useful for injury treatment.
  - Matches: AN is used in safety matches.
About the Fertilizer Industry in India:
- India is the world's second-largest consumer of urea, after China, and the second-largest producer of nitrogenous fertilisers
- The fertiliser Industry is one of the 8 core industries in India.
- It receives the second-largest subsidy, after food.
- India meets 100% of its potash requirement through imports from countries like Belarus, Russia, Israel, and Jordan.