New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the 2026 Kharif cropping season, the government said on Tuesday.
The subsidy will apply from April 1 to September 30, 2026, and is aimed at ensuring the continued availability of key fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and NPK blends at affordable prices for farmers.
The government has estimated a budgetary outlay of approximately ₹41,533.81 crore for the 2026 Kharif season. This represents an increase of about ₹4,317 crore compared to the ₹37,216.15 crore allocated for the same period in 2025.
Under the NBS scheme, subsidies are provided to fertilizer manufacturers and importers based on nutrient content, allowing them to supply fertilizers to farmers at controlled prices. Officials said the revised rates take into account recent fluctuations in global prices of key inputs, including urea, DAP, muriate of potash (MOP), and sulphur.
India currently provides subsidized access to 28 grades of P&K fertilizers under the NBS framework, which has been in effect since April 2010. The policy is designed to shield farmers from volatility in international markets while maintaining adequate supply during peak agricultural seasons.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers by ensuring timely availability of fertilizers at reasonable prices, particularly ahead of the monsoon-dependent Kharif sowing season.
