Crop Nutrition

ICL Opens Specialty Fertilizer Plant in India, Citing Supply Risks and Local Production Push

19 March 2026, New Delhi: ICL Group has announced the commissioning of a specialty fertilizer manufacturing facility in Maharashtra, as part of its strategy to expand local production and address supply chain risks impacting global fertilizer markets.

The development comes amid ongoing disruptions in international trade routes, including constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global shipments. These disruptions have begun affecting fertilizer availability and could have implications for agricultural supply chains if prolonged.

ICL’s New Specialty Fertilizer Plant in India

The facility aligns with Make in India, which promotes domestic manufacturing across sectors. By producing Water Soluble Fertilizers (WSF) locally, ICL aims to reduce dependence on imports, diversify supply sources, and improve the reliability of input availability for farmers.

The plant will manufacture water-soluble fertilizers designed for precise nutrient application and improved agronomic efficiency. Industry data indicates that India’s WSF segment has recorded consistent high single-digit growth in recent years, supported by increasing adoption of fertigation and protected cultivation practices.

Spread across approximately seven acres (28,000 square metres), the facility is based on ICL’s existing production model in Israel and is expected to deliver similar product standards. The company stated that the new unit will help create a more geographically diversified production base, enabling it to better manage external disruptions while serving regional demand.

ICL has maintained a presence in India for over three decades, with reported annual revenues of around $250 million from its operations in the country.

Commenting on the development, Nir Ilani said the investment reflects the company’s focus on scaling its specialty fertilizer platform in key growth markets. He noted that local production capacity is becoming increasingly important in the context of geopolitical uncertainties affecting global supply chains.

The company indicated that the new facility is part of its broader strategy to expand its specialty fertilizers portfolio, strengthen engagement with customers, and respond to region-specific agronomic requirements.

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