Casablanca – Morocco is preparing to significantly increase its phosphate fertilizer exports to India, aiming for shipments of over 2.5 million tons in 2025—a rise of approximately 40% from the 1.8 million tons exported in 2024. Industry experts and reports from Indian media suggest that this upward trend could continue into 2026, reflecting strong demand for fertilizers to sustain agricultural productivity in one of the world’s largest farming nations.
The expansion is being led by OCP Nutricrops, a subsidiary of the OCP Group (Office Chérifien des Phosphates), which holds around 70% of the world’s phosphate reserves. The company has maintained a four-decade-long partnership with Indian farmers, with the increased shipments aimed at supporting crop yields and enhancing India’s food security.
Beyond increasing volumes, OCP is shifting its export strategy from raw phosphate to specialized fertilizers tailored to specific soil types and crop needs. Products such as Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) are being promoted as practical, high-performance solutions for improving crop resilience, enhancing root growth, and reducing nutrient loss. Field trials conducted with over 22,000 farmers in Karnataka and Rajasthan have shown that precision fertilization significantly boosts productivity and farmer incomes while helping crops withstand climate variability.
The strategic importance of Morocco’s exports has increased in light of disruptions in Chinese fertilizer shipments. Since 2023, China reduced its DAP exports to India, completely halting deliveries at the start of 2025. This has accelerated India’s efforts to diversify its supply sources, creating an opportunity for Morocco to play a central role in stabilizing the Indian fertilizer market. OCP Nutricrops has entered agreements with six Indian partners, including National Fertilisers Ltd, Indian Phosphate Ltd, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd, and Paradeep Phosphates Ltd, in which it holds a 28% stake, to ensure reliable deliveries.
India’s government has also emphasized long-term strategic cooperation with Morocco. During an official visit to Rabat in November 2025, Nina Malhotra, South Secretary at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed India’s intention to strengthen supply arrangements for phosphate and fertilizers, underscoring their importance for the country’s food security. Bilateral talks with OCP’s leadership focused on reinforcing strategic supply agreements, exploring joint projects along the fertilizer supply chain, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and soil health.
OCP’s international approach is further reflected in its efforts across Africa, where the group has successfully implemented tailored fertilizers in countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Initiatives such as the “smart blender” program, which optimizes fertilizer composition for local conditions, align with global trends toward sustainable agriculture and high-value added solutions.
The expansion of Moroccan exports to India comes at a critical time when global fertilizer markets are experiencing volatility. By providing high-quality, customized phosphate fertilizers, Morocco is not only increasing its economic footprint in India but also positioning itself as a key player in global food security. With planned shipments potentially reaching 2.8 million tons by the end of 2025, OCP’s role in shaping agricultural productivity abroad underscores the strategic dimension of Morocco–India relations.
The partnership highlights a broader trend of deepening economic and industrial ties between Morocco and India. Since King Mohammed VI’s visit to India in 2015, cooperation has expanded across agriculture, industry, and even defense sectors. Morocco’s role as India’s primary phosphate supplier demonstrates how countries with complementary resources can build sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships in critical sectors such as food security.
