New Delhi, April 8 – The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved on Wednesday a proposal from the Department of Fertilizers to fix the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the kharif season (from April 1 to September 30) for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
The estimated budgetary requirement for the kharif season this year will be approximately ₹41,533.81 crore. This is approximately ₹4,317 crore more than the budgetary requirement for the previous kharif season, which amounted to ₹37,216.15 crore, according to a Cabinet note.
The approval will ensure that farmers have access to fertilizers at subsidized, affordable, and reasonable prices. The rationalization of subsidies on P&K fertilizers is being done in light of recent trends in international fertilizer and input prices.
Subsidies will be provided to fertilizer companies at the approved and notified rates, ensuring that fertilizers are made available to farmers at affordable prices.
Subsidies on P&K fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades, will be provided based on approved rates for the kharif season of 2026 (effective from April 1 to September 30), to ensure the smooth availability of these fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices.
The government is making 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, including DAP, available to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by the NBS Scheme, effective from April 1, 2010. In accordance with its farmer-friendly approach, the government is committed to ensuring that farmers have access to affordable P&K fertilizers, the statement said.
In light of recent trends in international prices of fertilizers and inputs like urea, DAP, MOP and sulphur, the government has decided to approve the NBS rates for the kharif season of 2026, effective from April 1 to September 30, for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades, the statement added.