India Set to Begin Green Ammonia Field Trials for Agriculture: ACME Seeks ICAR Approval

22 July 2025, New Delhi: In a significant step towards reducing urea import dependency and enhancing nitrogen efficiency in farming, India is preparing to conduct its first agricultural trials using green ammonia-based fertilizers. ACME Group, a leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen solutions, has sought approval from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to initiate field trials across select crops.

Awaiting Regulatory Nod from ICAR

ACME has formally approached ICAR to evaluate and approve the use of green ammonia in Indian agriculture. According to ICAR Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak, the proposal has been received and is under review. The Natural Resource Management (NRM) Division of ICAR has already granted preliminary clearance in principle. Full approval will pave the way for on-field trials to commence, potentially as early as the upcoming Rabi (winter cropping) season.

Shashi Shekhar, Vice President at ACME Cleantech Solutions, confirmed that the company is also working on setting up India’s first green ammonia production facility. With an estimated investment of ₹13,000–15,000 crore (~USD 1.5–1.8 billion), the plant will have a daily production capacity of 1,200 tonnes. If approvals come through in time, the company aims to begin pilot applications during the 2025-26 Rabi season, even as the plant is under development, which may take three years to complete.

Reducing India’s Fertilizer Import Burden

India consumes approximately 38.8 million tonnes of urea annually, a substantial portion of which is produced using imported natural gas—over 22 million tonnes per year—costing more than ₹1 lakh crore (~USD 12 billion). Additionally, India imports nearly 4 million tonnes of ammonia each year. ACME believes that widespread adoption of green ammonia could significantly reduce these imports and decarbonize the fertilizer sector.

Higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency than Urea

According to ACME, green ammonia-based fertilizers could deliver nearly double the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)compared to conventional urea.

• Aqueous ammonia, derived from green ammonia, offers NUE of 60–65%, compared to just 30–35% for urea.
• Anhydrous ammonia, another derivative, can reach NUE levels as high as 82%.
  Urea contains only 46% nitrogen, much of which is lost through volatilization and leaching. Green ammonia, on the other hand, could lead to lower application rates, increased crop yields, reduced soil degradation, and significantly less nitrate leaching into the groundwater.

Global Use Already Underway

While India is taking its first steps, countries like the United States, Brazil, and China have already incorporated green ammonia into farming systems for crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sugarcane, and horticultural produce. In India, ICAR will determine crop-specific dosages, application techniques, and collaborate with farmers to ensure safe and effective use.

Free Technical Support and Product for Trials

ACME has announced that it will provide green ammonia and associated technology free of charge during the trial phase. ICAR will be responsible for scientific oversight, data analysis, and training programs for farmers. If successful, this initiative could mark a paradigm shift in India’s approach to sustainable and efficient fertilization practices.

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