The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Kharif 2026 season on phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers, covering the period from April 1 to September 30, 2026.
The move, based on a proposal by the Department of Fertilizers, entails an estimated budgetary outlay of Rs.41,533.81 crore, about Rs.4,317 crore higher than the Rs.37,216.15 crore allocated for Kharif 2025.
The decision aims to ensure the availability of key fertilisers such as DAP and NPKS grades to farmers at subsidised and affordable prices during the crucial sowing season. Subsidy will be released to fertiliser companies as per approved rates, facilitating smooth supply across the country.
Under the NBS scheme, in force since April 1, 2010, the government currently supports 28 grades of P&K fertilisers. The latest approval takes into account global price trends of inputs like urea, DAP, MOP and sulphur, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and price stability.