05 JAN 2026, New Delhi
The Government of India has approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi season 2025–26 to ensure the timely availability of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices and promote balanced fertilization.
The approved subsidy rates will be effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and will cover Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including commonly used fertilizers such as DAP, NPK and NPKS grades.
The tentative budgetary requirement for the Rabi 2025–26 season has been estimated at ₹37,952 crore, which is around ₹736 crore higher than the requirement for the Kharif 2025 season. This increased allocation reflects the government’s continued focus on supporting farmers amid changing global and domestic fertilizer prices.
Objective of the NBS Scheme
The Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme, implemented since April 1, 2010, aims to encourage the balanced use of essential plant nutrients Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S). The scheme helps farmers avoid overuse of a single fertilizer, improves soil health, and enhances crop productivity.
Under this system, subsidies are fixed based on the nutrient content of fertilizers rather than a single product, allowing farmers to choose fertilizers according to the needs of their soil and crops.
Subsidy rates for nutrients
For the Rabi 2025–26 season, the per kilogram subsidy on nutrients has been fixed as follows:
- Nitrogen (N): ₹43.02
- Phosphorus (P): ₹47.96
- Potassium (K): ₹2.38
- Sulphur (S): ₹2.87
Enhanced subsidy on DAP
The subsidy on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) has been significantly increased to ₹29,805 per metric tonne, compared to ₹21,911 per metric tonne during Rabi 2024–25. This move is expected to keep DAP prices stable and affordable for farmers.
Ammonium Sulphate, both domestic and imported, has also been included under the NBS Scheme for Rabi 2025–26.
Wider choice of fertilizers
The government is now providing subsidies on 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, up from 25 earlier. New fertilizer grades fortified with micronutrients such as Magnesium, Zinc and Boron have been included to improve soil nutrition. Fertilizers fortified or coated with Zinc or Boron will receive additional subsidies to promote their use.
Strong monitoring and transparency
To ensure transparency and prevent overpricing, fertilizer companies must clearly print the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and the subsidy amount on every fertilizer bag. Charging more than the printed MRP is a punishable offence under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The entire production, movement and distribution of fertilizers is monitored through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS), a digital platform that tracks stocks, dealer registration, imports and deliveries across the country.
Growth in domestic production
The NBS Scheme has played a key role in boosting domestic fertilizer production. Production of P&K fertilizers such as DAP and NPKS has increased by over 50 percent, rising from 112.19 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to 168.55 lakh metric tonnes in 2025.
Support for farmers and food security
Between 2022–23 and 2024–25, the government allocated over ₹2.04 lakh crore towards NBS subsidies. This sustained financial support has helped maintain fertilizer affordability, improved soil health, and increased foodgrain productivity across the country.
The approval of NBS rates for Rabi 2025–26 reaffirms the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, sustainable agriculture, and self-reliance in fertilizer production. By promoting balanced fertilization, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and ensuring transparent distribution, the scheme continues to play a crucial role in improving farm productivity and long-term soil health.
Source: PIB
