India Notifies Anhydrous Ammonia as Fertilizer for Three Years

Why in News?

The Union Agriculture Ministry has notified the inclusion of Anhydrous Ammonia as a fertilizer for a three-year period under the existing regulatory framework.

Key Points

• Anhydrous Ammonia contains at least 82% nitrogen by weight, while standard Urea contains only 46%.
• It is authorized under Clause 20A of the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985.
• Trials were conducted across 13 ICAR institutions, with pilot testing fast-tracked during the Rabi 2025–26 season.
• Setting up a green ammonia plant of 1,200 tonnes per day capacity needs an estimated investment of ₹13,000–15,000 crore.

Exam Connect

• Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 → issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 → regulates trade, quality, and distribution of fertilizers in India
• ICAR → established 1929 → headquartered in New Delhi → apex body for coordinating agricultural research and education