The Union Cabinet Tuesday approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for the Rabi Season 2025-26 on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
Making this announcement at a press conference, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said: “This decision aims to ensure the availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized and affordable prices.”
The budgetary requirement for Rabi season 2025-26 is approximately Rs 37,952.29 crore, which is around Rs 736 crore more than the budgetary requirement for Kharif season 2025.
The subsidy on P&K fertilizers, including Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and NPKS grades, will be provided based on approved rates for Rabi 2025-26 to ensure smooth availability of these fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices.
The government aims to ensure the availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable, and reasonable prices. The rationalization of subsidy on P&K fertilizers will be done in view of recent trends in international prices of fertilizers and inputs.
Vaishnaw said the government is committed to ensuring the availability of P&K fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices. As part of its farmer-friendly approach, the government has decided to approve the NBS rates for Rabi 2025-26 effective from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The subsidy will be provided to fertilizer companies as per approved and notified rates, enabling them to make fertilizers available to farmers at affordable prices.
This decision will benefit farmers by providing them with essential fertilizers at subsidized prices, which will help increase crop yields and improve their income. With the upcoming Rabi season, farmers can expect to access fertilizers at reasonable prices, ensuring a smooth and productive farming season.