Fertilizers Costlier · Exports Blocked · Rains Failing — Kharif 2026’s Toughest Test Author : Vijay Gaikwad Publication : krishiparva.in Date : May 21, 2026 Section : Policy Analysis | Kharif Special “On one side, fertilizers are expensive. On the second side, exports are banned. On the third side, rains are failing. Where will the farmer go?” ✍️ Introduction Maharashtra’s farmers are not fighting a single crisis this Kharif season — they are fighting on three fronts simultaneously. Front One : The Iran war has pushed chemical fertilizer prices up by 40%. Front Two : A fall in soybean meal exports, import duty complications, and Trump tariffs are driving farm produce prices below MSP. Front Three : The IMD has warned that Maharashtra is likely to receive below-normal rainfall this monsoon — with 45–65% probability of deficient rains across Central Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha. When three crises converge, only one question remains for the farmer : “Should I sow Kharif at all? And if I do, will I earn anything?” 🧨 Front One : Fertilizers Costly, Farmer Helpless Iran War Hits India’s Fertilizer Market Directly In April 2026, the US-Israel-Iran conflict destabilized the Strait of Hormuz. India is the world’s second-largest fertilizer importer, sourcing 20–25% of its total fertilizer imports from Gulf nations. This single geopolitical event shook India’s entire fertilizer supply chain. 📊 Fertilizer Prices — May 2026 Reality Fertilizer (50 kg bag) Pre-War Price Current Price Change DAP ₹1,300 ₹2,100 – ₹2,200 +70% …
