Global demand for fertilizer was expected to climb 11 percent this year, and even if the rate of growth in demand from China ebbs, Indian needs are likely to more than compensate as that country tries to become self-sufficient in foodstuffs, especially grains. (India’s fertilizer budget is bigger than its military budget….)

With that in mind, when designing a portfolio for 2012, you might want to think about including shares of Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, which ended last week at $39.50. Largely bullish analysts expect to hit $60. Or, if you’re still in the mood to gamble a bit, there’s upstart Western Potash (WPX.TO), the development-stage player that now trades for C$1 a share on the Toronto Stock Exchange; analysts rate it a “speculative buy” and say its share price could double – that is if it isn’t acquired by one of the behemoth players in the industry or Chinese or Indian interests…READ MORE.