India’s ammonia production sector continues to rely heavily on imported natural gas, with nearly 77% of its feedstock requirements sourced from overseas, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced operational efficiency, technological innovation and industry-wide knowledge sharing, according to Dr Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General of the Fertiliser Association of India (FAI).
Dr Chaudhari made these remarks while addressing a Group Discussion on “Operation and Maintenance Problems of Ammonia Plants” being held in Durgapur, West Bengal. The four-day technical programme, organised by FAI from June 3 to June 6, has brought together over 50 senior engineers and technical professionals representing 25 ammonia plants from 19 locations across India.
The event serves as a platform for industry experts to deliberate on critical issues including plant reliability, maintenance strategies, energy efficiency, process safety and operational excellence.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr Chaudhari emphasised that ammonia remains the foundation of India’s nitrogenous fertiliser industry and plays a vital role in ensuring the country’s food security. He noted that India currently operates 36 ammonia plants with a combined installed capacity of nearly 19 million tonnes, making operational reliability and energy efficiency essential for sustaining domestic fertiliser production.
“Ammonia production is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes and remains central to the entire nitrogen value chain. Continuous improvements in plant operations, maintenance practices and energy efficiency are critical not only for improving competitiveness but also for strengthening India’s fertiliser security,” he said.
Dr Chaudhari highlighted that while several state-of-the-art ammonia plants have been commissioned in recent years, many facilities in the country have been operating for 25 to 50 years. These ageing plants require ongoing modernisation, innovation and adoption of best practices to maintain high standards of efficiency, reliability and safety.
He also pointed to the fertiliser industry’s significant sustainability achievements, noting that greenhouse gas emissions from the sector have been reduced by approximately 50% over the past four decades through technological advancements, process optimisation and energy conservation initiatives. These efforts have helped position the industry among India’s most energy-efficient industrial sectors.
The group discussion has been designed as an interactive knowledge-sharing forum, enabling plant professionals to exchange experiences, address real-world operational challenges and identify practical solutions for improving plant performance. Senior representatives from leading fertiliser companies including Matix Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited (HURL), Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and National Fertilisers Limited (NFL) are participating in the deliberations.
As part of the programme, participants will also undertake a technical visit to Matix Fertilisers & Chemicals facility at Panagarh, where they will gain first-hand exposure to modern ammonia plant operations and maintenance practices.
FAI regularly conducts such technical forums to foster operational excellence, enhance plant reliability and support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of India’s fertiliser sector amid evolving energy and environmental challenges.
