Punjab intensifies potash hunt to cut India’s 99% import dependence
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, January 17, 2026: With the objective of fast-tracking potash exploration in the state and reducing India’s heavy dependence on imported potash, the Punjab Government has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic mineral resources vital for agriculture.
A high-level review meeting was convened to assess progress, set future priorities, and finalise timelines for exploration activities across key potash-bearing regions of Punjab.
Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal chaired the meeting at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, attended by senior officials of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), including Deputy Director General (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana) Smt. Shrimati Gupta, Director Smt. Sushree Mishra and Smt. Aprajeeta Bhattacharji, along with officers from the Department of Mines and Geology, Punjab, including Chief Engineer S. Hardeep Singh Mehndiratta and Assistant Geologist Sh. Paras Mahajan.
The meeting reviewed the status of completed exploration blocks, ongoing drilling activities during Field Season 2025–26, and proposed reconnaissance and preliminary exploration programmes for Field Season 2026–27. Special focus was laid on Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, where significant potash potential has been identified.
Briefing the Minister, GSI officials informed that G4-stage exploration has been completed in the Qabarwala Block and the Shergarh–Dalmirkhera Block, with geological memorandums already handed over to the State Government. Following state consent, an amalgamated Shergarh–Sherawala–Ramsara–Dalmirkhera block has been put up for Composite Licence auction in the sixth tranche by the Ministry of Mines, with results awaited.
It was further shared that drilling is currently underway in the Rajpura–Rajawali Block and the Gidranwali–Azimgarh Block at six identified sites, of which five have already been completed. Final reports are expected by April after completion of chemical analysis.
For Field Season 2026–27, GSI proposed reconnaissance surveys in the Kera-Khera Block and Saiyadwala Block of Fazilka district, along with preliminary exploration in the Kandhwala–Ramsara Block, covering a total of fifteen drilling sites.
Responding to queries regarding full basin coverage, GSI officials stated that the entire evaporite basin of Punjab is being surveyed using geophysical methods. An area of approximately 50 square kilometres has already been identified for detailed exploration, for which Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited will submit a project proposal to the Ministry.
Appreciating the sustained and scientific efforts, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal directed that all ongoing drilling and mapping work during Field Season 2025–26 be expedited and that proposed blocks for 2026–27 be completed strictly as per schedule.
He also instructed that monthly review meetings be held between the Department of Mines and Geology, Punjab, and GSI to ensure close monitoring, timely handover of additional promising blocks, and planning of future feasibility studies for mining.
Highlighting the broader public interest, the Minister said, “Potash is a critical input for agriculture, and today India imports nearly 99 percent of its requirement. Any success in potash exploration and future production in Punjab will directly benefit our farmers, strengthen national food security, and provide a major boost to the state and national economy. The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is fully committed to supporting every scientific initiative that helps the country move towards self-reliance in this vital mineral.”