Union Cabinet Approves Continued DAP Fertilizer Subsidy for Farmers
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the Department of Fertilizers for the extension of a one-time Special Package concerning Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy, priced at Rs 3,500 per metric tonne (MT). This extension will be effective from January 1, 2025, and will remain in place until further notice to ensure that farmers have sustainable access to DAP at reasonable prices, as per an official statement released on Wednesday.
This decision aims to enhance the availability of DAP to farmers at subsidized, affordable prices, according to the statement.
The Special Package for DAP, priced at Rs 3,500 per MT, will be available from January 1, 2025, and will be provided in addition to the approved NBS subsidy, ensuring a steady supply of DAP fertilizer to farmers at a price they can afford, the statement further elaborated.
Farmers currently have access to 28 grades of P&K fertilizers at subsidized rates through manufacturers and importers. The subsidy for P&K fertilizers has been regulated by the NBS Scheme since April 1, 2010.
“By prioritizing farmers’ welfare, the Government of India has extended significant relief by maintaining the price of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer,” the statement pointed out.
Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical factors and fluctuations in the global market, the government remains committed to its farmer-friendly initiatives, ensuring that DAP is available to farmers at affordable prices for the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2024-25.
Earlier, in July 2024, the Cabinet had also approved a one-time Special Package for DAP beyond the NBS subsidy at Rs 3,500 per MT, effective from April 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024, with an estimated financial impact of Rs 2,625 crore.
Furthermore, the total agricultural land cultivated in the country under various rabi crops has increased to 614.94 lakh hectares, compared to 611.8 lakh hectares during the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
The area cultivated for wheat has risen to 319.74 lakh hectares (ha) from 313.00 lakh ha in the same timeframe last year, which is expected to boost the production of this crop. Additionally, favorable winter rain is anticipated to benefit the crop yield, as per agricultural experts.
The total area planted with pulses has reached 136.13 lakh ha, while 48.55 lakh ha has been allocated for Shri Anna and Coarse Cereals, and 96.15 lakh ha has been designated for Oilseeds.
The expansion in the total sown area is expected to enhance the production of essential food items, contributing to a decrease in inflation within the economy.
