What happened: NIPU-2026 approval for urea investment and supply stability

India approved the National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026 to encourage new gas-based urea manufacturing investments and reduce import dependence for a key crop input.

Background and earlier position: earlier urea investment policy and industrial capacity

An initial urea investment policy was announced in 2012 and 2013; it was amended in October 2014 to facilitate fresh investment, leading to six new urea units (four through joint venture companies of nominated PSUs and two by private companies). The policy landscape also includes gas-based unit amendments such as a May 2015 update for existing gas-based units.