What Are the New Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2025-26 on Phosphatic and Potassic Fertilisers?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Union Cabinet approved nutrient-based subsidy rates for Rabi 2025-26.
- The total budget for the subsidy is approximately Rs 37,952.29 crore.
- Farmers will benefit from affordable access to phosphatic and potassic fertilisers.
- The decision reflects the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
- The NBS Scheme governs the subsidy provision.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval on Tuesday for the nutrient-based subsidy rates concerning Rabi 2025-26 for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers.
It sanctioned the proposal from the Department of Fertilisers to set the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi Season 2025-26, which spans from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, specifically for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers.
As per the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, the estimated budgetary allocation for the Rabi season 2025-26 is around Rs 37,952.29 crore, which is roughly Rs 736 crore higher than the budget requirement for the Kharif season 2025.
The subsidy, which includes Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, Sulphur) grades, will be disbursed at the approved rates for Rabi 2025-26, ensuring that farmers can access these fertilisers at reasonable prices.
This initiative will facilitate the availability of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised, affordable, and fair prices.
Additionally, it aims to rationalise the subsidy on P&K fertilisers in light of the recent fluctuations in international fertiliser prices and related inputs.
The ministry states that the government is providing 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, to farmers at subsidised rates through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.
The subsidy is managed under the NBS Scheme. In alignment with its farmer-focused strategy, the government is dedicated to ensuring that P&K fertilisers are accessible to farmers at affordable prices.
The Centre has chosen to approve the NBS rates for Rabi 2025-26, effective from March 31, 2026, concerning Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers, which includes DAP and NPKS grades.
The official release further highlighted that subsidies will be allocated to fertiliser companies based on the approved and notified rates, ensuring that farmers can access these products at budget-friendly prices.
With the rise in minimum support prices (MSP) for various crops announced for the Rabi marketing season of 2026-27, farmers are projected to receive Rs 84,263 crore as the government's procurement is estimated at 297 lakh metric tonnes, according to a statement released earlier this month.
MSP payments to farmers for foodgrains acquired by the government have surged from Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 3.33 lakh crore between July 2024 and June 2025, while procurement has risen from 761.40 lakh metric tonnes to 1,175 lakh metric tonnes during the same timeframe, benefiting 1.84 crore farmers.