Caitlyn India Private Ltd. (CIPL) has announced a significant investment of Rs. 400 crore to set up a 50,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) integrated phosphoric acid manufacturing plant in India. The company is currently evaluating potential sites in southern India, focusing on port-accessible industrial zones to facilitate easy raw material import and finished product export. The project is expected to require between 30 and 50 acres of land for the facility.

The plant will incorporate advanced hemihydrate–dihydrate (HH-DH) technology, which enables the production of high-purity phosphoric acid along with cleaner gypsum by-products. This technology not only improves product quality but also ensures environmentally sustainable operations. Additionally, the plant will feature a captive sulfuric acid unit, helping to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. CIPL aims to have the plant fully commissioned by fiscal year 2026-27.

Initially, the phosphoric acid produced at this plant will be supplied primarily to fertilizer manufacturers across India, addressing the rising domestic demand for quality inputs. Furthermore, CIPL plans to use part of the production internally once it establishes its own NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) fertilizer manufacturing facility in the future.

“India’s phosphoric acid market is expanding rapidly, but domestic supply continues to lag behind demand,” said Agnivesh Agarwal, director of Caitlyn India Pvt. Ltd. “This investment reflects our commitment to support the country’s fertilizer sector with high-quality, locally produced inputs, while also building a globally competitive and sustainable manufacturing facility.”

The demand for phosphoric acid in India is expected to nearly double, rising from 4,948 kilotonnes per annum (KTPA) in 2018 to 8,773 KTPA by 2030. This growth is driven by increased fertilizer usage and government-led initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Despite this, India continues to rely heavily on imports to meet its needs. The phosphoric acid market in India was valued at approximately $2.62 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to grow to $4.91 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%.

CIPL intends to source its primary raw material, rock phosphate, from countries like Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt. The company is actively pursuing long-term contracts with these suppliers to ensure a steady and cost-effective supply chain.

This investment aligns with national goals to boost self-sufficiency in fertilizer production and reduce dependence on imports. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian fertilizer industry is expected to expand to Rs. 1.38 lakh crore (about $16.58 billion) by 2032. In fiscal year 2023-24, fertilizer production in India reached 45.2 million tonnes, supported by government policies that encourage balanced nutrient use, modernization of facilities, and innovative products such as nano-liquid fertilizers.

Beyond supporting the fertilizer supply chain, CIPL’s new plant is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. The project will also strengthen India’s agri-input manufacturing ecosystem, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable agricultural growth and economic development.