Cabinet increases fertilizer subsidy for winter crops, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved ₹37,952 crore in fertilizer subsidy for the current rabi season [October 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026].
• Subsidy increased by ₹736 crore for phosphorous (P) and sulphur (S) fertilizers.
• Subsidy rates for nitrogen (N) and potash (K) will remain consistent with the kharif season.
• The rabi season subsidy is approximately ₹14,000 crore higher than the previous rabi season (2024).

Fertilizer Subsidy for Rabi Season (₹ crore)

Detailed Insights:

• The increased subsidy aims to support farmers during the winter cropping season by ensuring affordable access to essential fertilizers.
• The subsidy for phosphate will increase to ₹47.96 per kg, and sulphur to ₹2.87 per kg.
• The Centre considered import prices, nutrient needs, and subsidy burdens when fixing the subsidy rate.
• A special package was provided to ensure the availability of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) to farmers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Rabi Crop: Crops sown in winter and harvested in the spring.
• Kharif Crop: Crops sown in monsoon and harvested in the autumn.
• Fertilizer Subsidy: Government financial assistance to lower fertilizer costs for farmers.