Caitlyn India Private Limited (CIPL) has announced a Rs 400 crore investment to establish a 50,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) integrated phosphoric acid plant in India. The facility will be located in a port-accessible industrial zone, with the company currently evaluating potential sites in southern India. The project will require approximately 30 to 50 acres of land.
The plant will utilise hemihydrate–dihydrate (HH–DH) technology, enabling the production of high-purity phosphoric acid and cleaner gypsum by-products. A captive sulphuric acid unit will also be included to ensure cost-effective and efficient operations. CIPL aims to commission the plant by FY 2027.
Initially, the phosphoric acid output will be supplied to Indian fertiliser manufacturers. CIPL also plans to utilise part of the production captively, following the future establishment of its own NPK fertiliser facility.
"India's phosphoric acid market is expanding rapidly, but domestic supply continues to lag behind demand," said Agnivesh Agarwal, Director, CIPL. "This investment reflects our commitment to supporting the country's fertiliser sector with high-quality, locally produced inputs, while also building a globally competitive, sustainable manufacturing facility."
India's demand for phosphoric acid is projected to grow from 4,948 KTPA in 2018 to 8,773 KTPA by 2030, driven by increasing fertiliser consumption and agricultural productivity goals. Despite this, the country remains heavily reliant on imports. The market, valued at USD 2.62 billion in 2024, is expected to reach USD 4.91 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.7 per cent.
CIPL plans to source its primary raw material, rock phosphate, from countries including Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt, and is exploring long-term contracts to ensure a stable and cost-effective supply chain.
This investment aligns with national objectives to enhance fertiliser self-sufficiency and reduce import dependency. According to IBEF, India's fertiliser industry is projected to grow to Rs 1.38 lakh crore (USD 16.58 billion) by 2032. In FY24, domestic fertiliser production reached 45.2 million tonnes, supported by progressive government policies promoting balanced nutrient usage, industry modernisation, and innovations such as nano-liquid fertilisers.
CIPL's project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment during the construction and operational phases, while contributing to the strengthening of India's agri-input manufacturing ecosystem.
