New Delhi: Israeli firm ICL, one of the world’s leading specialty minerals company, Wednesday announced the opening of a new specialty fertiliser production facility in Maharashtra.
The launch comes at a time when India’s fertiliser imports is now facing supply disruptions due to the latest geopolitical instability and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a key global shipping corridor.
“These delays are already affecting fertiliser availability worldwide and could pose long‑term risks to food security if not addressed. This new facility supports the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reflects ICL’s strategy to expand local production in high-growth markets,” the company said in a statement.
By manufacturing Water Soluble Fertilisers (WSF) within India, ICL aims to reduce dependence on cross-border supply chains, diversify production routes and ensure more reliable access to essential agricultural inputs.
The plant will produce advanced WSF solutions, that enable precise nutrient delivery and higher agronomic efficiency, the company said.
According to customs import data and growth trends from previous years, India WSF market has demonstrated a high single-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).
CAGR represents the mean annual growth rate of agricultural production, income, or investment over a specific period, which smooths out year-to-year volatility.
The facility in Maharashtra covers an area of 28,000 sq m and replicates the ICL’s advanced production model, which is currently operating in Israel.
“Establishing this manufacturing plant in India is a strategic step in scaling our specialty fertiliser production platform,” Nir Ilani, president of the Growing Solutions Division of ICL, said.
The plant’s main objective is to strengthen the supply reliability and build production bases that can withstand the geopolitical constraints.
“With geopolitical tensions disrupting global trade routes and delaying fertiliser shipments through a key corridor such as the Strait of Hormuz, building local production capacity is essential. This facility enhances India’s supply resilience and ensures farmers have consistent access to high-quality solutions,” Ilani added.
This is an updated version of the report
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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