India Controlled Release Fertilizer Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2025-2033)

Controlled-release fertilizers represent a type of fertilizer technology able to distribute nutrients step-by-step throughout time to synchronize nutrient intake with the crop's requirements. CRF fertilizer producers commonly apply polymers or sulfur materials to its surface for managing nutrient release timing. The use of CRFs decreases the flow of nutrients through mechanisms of leaching and volatilization, and runoff. The controlled release characterized by CRF creates better levels of fertilizer efficiency alongside enhanced crop yield production while promoting sustainable farming measures.

The India Controlled Release Fertilizer market is set to show a growth rate of about 7.00% during the forecast period (2025-2033F) due to mandatory requirements of the increasing populations for food and agriculture alongside the gradual degeneration of soil nutrients. Moreover, government incentives towards sustainable agriculture also enhance the adoption of the practices. Furthermore, enhanced farmer knowledge on nutrient-betterment and water use resulted in a move from typical fertilizers. Furthermore, the other drivers include an increase in the growth of high-value crops and the increment in export opportunities as well.

Based on coating type, the market is segmented into polymer-coated fertilizers, sulphur-coated fertilizers, organic-coated fertilizers, and others. Among these, the polymer-coated fertilizers market is leading the market in 2024. This segment contributes towards growth because it gives out nutrients in a controlled manner, making crops productive and minimizing losses to the environment. In India, it supports precision farming, especially for fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane, as it is a high-value crops. Manufacturers are devoting resources to regional development and production capacities that extend the portfolio of cost-competitive crop-specific coated polymers.

Based on the end-use, the market is segmented into agriculture, non-agriculture. Among these, the agriculture segment is the largest contributor to the controlled-release fertilizer industry in 2024. This is attributed to the largest consumer of controlled release fertilizers, which is the agriculture segment that requires a precise approach in feeding the crops. The fact that pressures on land and water continue to increase in the world makes CRFs important for achieving the intensification for sustainability. Most companies have been developing training programs, mainly the demo plot, as well as adopting the partnership with the agri-cooperatives to enhance the uptake of CRFs among farmers.

Based on the mode of application, the market is segmented into foliar, fertigation, soil, and others. Among these, the foliar category is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2025-2033). Foliar CRFs contribute to growth by providing nutrients instantly through the leaves, particularly at appropriate developmental stages. It is slowly and gradually building up its market among the horticulture and floriculture industries.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of India controlled release fertilizer market is analyzed based on its state-wise presence in India, such as North India, East India, West India, and South India. West India is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the growth of the CRF market, due to the production of cash crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and fruits. The states of Maharashtra and Gujarat have a good base of progressive farmers and high literacy levels towards the adoption of the new generation agri-input. Industry players are extending the market through associated retail, crop-specific commodity readiness funds, and information technology to reach the farmers. These include the fact that the region is struggling with acute water scarcity, and the problem of poor soil quality makes slow-release fertilizers ideal. Other related government activities to encourage the balanced utilization of fertilizer within the recommended measures, hence give a boost to regional fertilizer consumption.

Some major players running in the market include ICL Group, COMPO EXPERT GmbH, Haifa Negev technologies LTD, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Coromandel International Ltd., Yara Fertilisers India Pvt. Ltd. (Yara), Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (DFPCL) (Mahadhan), and others.