Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2026-27

Key Highlights:

• The Government approved Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi 2026-27 season.
• The rates are applicable from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with an outlay of approximately ₹62,370.02 crore.
• This outlay is over 64% higher than the ₹37,952.29 crore allocated for Rabi 2025-26.
• Special provisions continue for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) at ₹1,350 per bag, along with freight subsidy for Single Superphosphate (SSP).
• The NBS Scheme, implemented since April 1, 2010, links fertiliser subsidies to their nutrient content (N, P, K, S).

Detailed Insights:

• The scheme aims to promote balanced fertiliser use, preserve soil health, and ensure affordable access to key nutrients for farmers.
• Subsidy rates for 28 grades of P&K fertilisers are determined twice a year for Kharif and Rabi seasons.
• The P&K fertiliser sector operates under a decontrolled regime, allowing manufacturers to determine Maximum Retail Price (MRP) under government oversight.
• Special provisions also extend to imported and domestic Triple Superphosphate (TSP), imported Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), and Ammonium Sulphate.
• A Sulphur package supports domestic manufacturers of Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid to boost local production.
• The scheme has disbursed over ₹2.79 lakh crore in P&K fertiliser subsidies between 2022-23 and 2025-26.
• Overall fertiliser stock increased by 35.6% from 173.46 lakh tonnes in November 2025 to 235.21 lakh tonnes in November 2026.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme: A policy linking fertiliser subsidies to the nutrient content (N, P, K, S) to promote balanced fertilisation.
• Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers: Fertilisers primarily containing phosphorus and potassium, essential macronutrients for plant growth.
• Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP): A widely used high-analysis phosphate fertiliser containing both nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Single Superphosphate (SSP): A low-cost phosphate fertiliser providing phosphorus and sulfur, often promoted as an alternative to DAP.