The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers to fix nutrient based subsidy (NBS) rates on phosphatic and potash (P&K) fertilizers for Kharif season 2026, according to an official statement.The subsidy will be applicable for the Kharif season from April 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026. The provisional budgetary requirement is estimated at Rs 41,533.81 crore, which is approximately Rs 4,317 crore more than the Rs 37,216.15 crore allocated for the Kharif 2025 season. The government has decided to keep DAP prices unchanged at Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag.The government said the decision will ensure “availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable and fair prices”, and will also “enable rationalization of subsidy on P&K fertilizers in view of recent trends in international prices of fertilizers and inputs…”.Under the implementation strategy, subsidy on P&K fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades, will be provided based on approved rates for Kharif 2026 to ensure smooth availability of these fertilizers at affordable prices to farmers.The Center currently makes available 28 grades of P&K fertilizers including DAP at concessional rates through fertilizer manufacturers and importers. The subsidy is governed under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme, effective from 1 April 2010.Reiterating its farmer-centric approach, the government said it is committed to ensuring availability of fertilizers at affordable prices.“In view of the recent trends in international prices of fertilizers and inputs like Urea, DAP, MOP and Sulphur, the government has decided to approve the NBS rates for Kharif 2026 on Phosphatic and Potash (P&K) fertilizers including DAP and NPKS grades with effect from 01.04.2026 to 30.09.2026,” the statement said.It said subsidies will be provided to fertilizer companies as per approved and notified rates so that fertilizers can be made available to farmers at affordable prices despite volatility in the global fertilizer and input markets.
