Kamal Ghorui
The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilisers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Kharif season 2026 on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, according to an official statement.The subsidy will be applicable for the Kharif season from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026. The tentative budgetary requirement has been estimated at Rs 41,533.81 crore, which is about Rs 4,317 crore higher than the Rs 37,216.15 crore allocated for the Kharif 2025 season. The government has decided to keep DAP prices unchanged at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag.The government said the decision will ensure “availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable and reasonable prices” while also enabling “rationalization of subsidy on P&K fertilizers in view of recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers and inputs…”.Under the implementation strategy, subsidy on P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades, will be provided based on the approved rates for Kharif 2026 to ensure smooth availability of these fertilisers to farmers at affordable prices.The Centre currently makes available 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, at subsidised rates through fertiliser manufacturers and importers. The subsidy is governed under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, which has been in effect since April 1, 2010.Reiterating its farmer-centric approach, the government said it remains committed to ensuring the availability of fertilisers at affordable prices.“In view of the recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers & inputs like Urea, DAP, MOP and Sulphur, Government has decided to approve the NBS rates for Kharif 2026 effective from 01.04.2026 to 30.09.2026 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers including DAP and NPKS grades…,” the statement said.It added that subsidy would be provided to fertiliser companies as per approved and notified rates so that fertilisers are made available to farmers at affordable prices despite volatility in global fertiliser and input markets.
