** Shares of agricultural commodities traders and fertilizer makers rise as the as Middle East conflict continues to disrupt shipping through the strait of Hormuz

** "The market reacted sharply to these developments, driving fertilizer prices significantly higher, as the Middle East and the Persian Gulf serve as a critical hub for fertilizer trade," says Nikos Tagoulis, senior analyst at Intermodal

** CF Industries CF.N rises 7.2%, Mosaic MOS.N up 6.2% and Bunge BG.N gains ~2%

** Corteva CTVA.N and Archer-Daniels-Midland ADM.N both inch up 1.4%

** Shares of Canada-based Nutrien advance ~3%

(Reporting by Dharna Bafna in Bengaluru)

((dharna.bafna@thomsonreuters.com))