Gujarat Pushes Import Substitution in Fertilisers, Expands Tribal Tourism Focus at VGRC

Gandhinagar, May 2, 2026 At the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC), the state government highlighted its dual focus on strengthening self-reliance in the fertiliser sector through import substitution and accelerating tourism development in tribal regions. The discussions underlined Gujarat’s broader strategy of reducing external dependence while boosting regional economic growth. A dedicated panel discussion on “Strategies to achieve self-reliance through import substitution in the fertiliser sector” was jointly organised by the Energy and Petrochemicals Department and VGRC. Experts, policymakers, and industry representatives examined India’s continued reliance on imported raw materials such as potash and phosphates, stressing the need to enhance domestic production capacity and adopt technology-driven solutions for long-term sustainability. The session also emphasized increasing production of key fertilisers like urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and complex fertilisers, while encouraging alternatives such as nano urea, bio-fertilisers, and organic inputs to reduce import dependence and production costs. Participants noted that global supply chain disruptions and price volatility have made self-reliance in fertilisers increasingly important for India’s agriculture sector. In a parallel session, the state also highlighted its efforts to promote tourism in tribal and rural regions, with a focus on eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and local economic development. Officials pointed to growing tourism potential in areas like Saputara and surrounding tribal belts, along with infrastructure development and targeted investment to boost employment and attract visitors. The conference concluded with a unified emphasis on sustainable growth through self-reliance in agriculture inputs and inclusive tourism development.