India lacks domestic potash reserves and depends almost entirely on imports. Major suppliers include Canada, Russia, Belarus, and occasionally China.
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the most widely used fertilizer, applied to cereals, sugarcane, cotton, and oilseeds. Smaller imports of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) serve chloride-sensitive crops like tobacco, fruits, and vegetables, while costlier potassium nitrate (KNO₃) is used for horticulture and high-value crops.
India is the world’s second-largest potash consumer after China, with annual demand of 6–7 million tonnes, all imported. Distribution is managed by agencies such as Indian Potash Limited (IPL), ensuring nationwide farmer access.