Government Raises P&K Fertiliser Subsidy 12% to Rs 41,534 Crore for Kharif 2026
India's Cabinet approved a 12 per cent increase in subsidies for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers on Wednesday, lifting the outlay for the Kharif 2026 season to Rs 41,534 crore from Rs 37,216 crore the previous year. The move shields farmers from surging global prices driven by the West Asia conflict. Rates take effect from April 1 to September 30, 2026, under the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme.
Revised Nutrient Rates and Coverage
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raised subsidies across key nutrients: nitrogen to Rs 47.32 per kg from Rs 43.02, phosphate to Rs 52.76 from Rs 47.96, and sulphur to Rs 3.16 from Rs 2.87, while holding potash steady at Rs 2.38 per kg. These apply to 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, a framework in place since the NBS scheme launched in April 2010. Retail prices for non-urea fertilisers like di-ammonium phosphate remain decontrolled and set by manufacturers, with the Centre providing fixed annual support.
Minister Highlights Price Stability
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Rs 4,317 crore hike over the prior season and noted that di-ammonium phosphate bags stay at Rs 1,350 for 50 kg despite international price jumps since the Covid period. He credited Prime Minister Modi with acting as a buffer against global volatility, from pandemics to regional crises. This continuity underscores efforts to keep input costs predictable for farmers planting Kharif crops starting with the June monsoon.
Extra Measures and Fiscal Commitment
Beyond the rate adjustments, the Cabinet endorsed tools to counter price swings, safeguards for imported triple super phosphate, ongoing freight support for single super phosphate, and NBS inclusion for both imported and domestic ammonium sulphate. The total allocation for NBS and urea subsidies in FY 2026-27 reaches Rs 1,70,799 crore, spanning Kharif and Rabi seasons. Such steps reinforce food security in a nation heavily reliant on imported P&K inputs, balancing farmer affordability against mounting fiscal pressures.
