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Centre Allocates ₹37,952 Crore Fertiliser Subsidy for Rabi Season

The government has approved a nutrient-based subsidy of approximately ₹37,952 crore for the ongoing Rabi 2025-26 season, which is about ₹736 crore higher than the previous Kharif season's allocation. This policy has driven a 50% increase in domestic fertiliser production since 2014, enhancing self-reliance. The scheme promotes balanced fertilisation to improve soil health and crop productivity across the country. Digital monitoring through the iFMS system ensures transparency and timely supply of fertilisers to farmers.

Key Points: Govt Approves ₹37,952 Crore Fertiliser Subsidy for Rabi 2025-26

  • ₹37,952 crore Rabi subsidy
  • 50% growth in domestic production
  • Over ₹2.04 lakh crore allocated in 3 years
  • Promotes balanced soil nutrition
2 min read

Centre to spend Rs 37,952 crore on fertiliser subsidy for farmers in current rabi season

The Centre has approved a ₹37,952 crore nutrient-based subsidy for the Rabi season to ensure affordable fertilisers for farmers and boost domestic production.

"The NBS scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of India's fertiliser policy - Official Statement"

New Delhi, Jan 5

The government's tentative budgetary requirement to meet the subsidy cost for the ongoing Rabi 2025-26 season is approximately Rs 37,952 crore, about Rs 736 crore higher than the budgetary requirement for the Kharif 2025 season, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The government approved the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2025-26, effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, covering Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades.

The Centre's nutrient-based subsidy scheme for the agricultural sector has resulted in a robust 50 per cent growth in domestic fertiliser production from 112.19 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in 2014 to 168.55 LMT in 2025,

Over Rs 2.04 lakh crore allocated between 2022-23 and 2024-25 towards NBS subsidies has ensured affordable access to fertilisers for farmers.

The NBS scheme has emerged as a cornerstone of India's fertiliser policy, promoting balanced fertilization, soil health, and sustainable agriculture. The digitalisation of monitoring through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) and regular coordination with states has enhanced transparency, accountability, and timely supply across regions, the statement explained.

The NBS scheme has not only driven growth in domestic fertiliser production but also contributed to higher foodgrain productivity, improved soil nutrient balance, and strengthened self-reliance in the fertiliser sector, the statement said.

The Government of India introduced the NBS scheme, effective from April 1, 2010. The scheme represented a significant policy shift in the fertiliser sector, designed to make fertilisers available to farmers at subsidized, affordable, and fair prices, while simultaneously encouraging their balanced and efficient use.

Under the NBS framework, subsidies are determined based on the nutrient content of fertilisers, primarily NPKS: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S). This approach not only encourages balanced nutrient application but also empowers farmers to make informed choices that align with the specific needs of their soil and crops.

By promoting the use of secondary and micronutrients, the scheme also addresses issues of soil degradation and nutrient imbalance that have emerged from years of skewed fertiliser usage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on balanced fertilization and soil health. For years, overuse of urea degraded our land in UP. The NBS scheme promoting NPKS is the right scientific approach. The digital monitoring should reduce corruption in distribution.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, the subsidy often doesn't reach the small farmer on time. The article talks about transparency, but in my village in Bihar, dealers still create artificial shortages. The government must ensure last-mile delivery.
S
Sarah B
Investing in domestic production growth from 112 LMT to 168 LMT is impressive and a strategic move for self-reliance. This reduces import dependency and stabilizes prices. A solid policy for long-term food security.
K
Karthik V
Over 2 lakh crore allocated in three years is a massive fiscal burden. We need to ask if this is sustainable. Should part of this fund be diverted to promoting organic farming and reducing chemical fertilizer dependency in the long run?
N
Nisha Z
As the daughter of a farmer, I appreciate this. But the real issue is the knowledge gap. Many farmers don't know what 'balanced nutrient application' means for their specific soil. Extension services and krishi vigyan kendras need equal funding and focus.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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