A unit of the ACME Group approached the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for approval to run a collaborative pilot programme testing green ammonia–based fertilisers as an eco-friendly alternative to urea. The pilot aims to validate both anhydrous and aqueous ammonia, which promise higher efficiency and a lower environmental footprint.
Parallel Export Plans Already Underway
While awaiting ICAR approval for commercial use in India, ACME has reportedly signed an export agreement with a Yara International group company to supply green ammonia to Europe from its Oman-based plant, sources confirmed.
Regulatory Clearance in Progress
ICAR’s Director General M L Jat confirmed that ACME’s proposal is “under process.” Sources added that since ICAR’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) division has already approved the pilot, final clearance is expected soon. ACME will fully fund the project, seeking ICAR’s support in trial execution, scientific monitoring, crop R&D, and farmer engagement.
Large-Scale Investment and Timelines
Sashi Shekhar, Vice-Chairman of ACME Cleantech Solutions, explained that building a 1,200-tonne-per-day green ammonia plant would require an investment of ₹13,000–15,000 crore.
“We’re ready to start the trial by the next rabi season if ICAR approves it now. Full-scale production may take another three years post-government clearance,” he said. The agriculture ministry will amend the fertiliser control order to allow farmers to use green ammonia only after ICAR validates the product.
Reducing Dependence on Imports
India consumed 38.8 million tons of urea in 2024–25, importing 22 million tons of natural gas (worth over ₹1 lakh crore) and over four million tons of ammonia to make complex fertilisers. Urea imports alone stood at 5.65 million tons last year. ACME is simultaneously building export-oriented green ammonia plants in Odisha.
Efficiency and Environmental Gains
According to ACME, aqueous ammonia delivers 60–65% nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)—almost double that of urea—while anhydrous ammonia achieves 82% NUE. Traditional urea provides just 46% nitrogen. Switching to green ammonia could cut fertiliser use and reduce nitrate leaching. It may also improve soil microbes and long-term fertility, with crop- and region-specific protocols.
Global Precedent and Next Steps
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, anhydrous ammonia is already widely used in North America, Brazil, and China for crops like wheat, paddy, maize, sugarcane, and horticulture. However, ICAR must now create crop-wise dosage guidelines, optimise application methods, and provide safety and handling training. “We seek ICAR’s technical leadership in scientific trials, crop R&D, and farmer engagement, while ACME supplies green ammonia and technical expertise,” Shekhar emphasized.
