Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Rabi 2026-27

Ensuring Affordable Fertiliser Availability and Promoting Balanced Nutrient Use

Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme: Promoting Balanced Fertilisation

Balanced fertiliser use plays a vital role in preserving soil health, enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting the long-term sustainability of farming. To promote this, the Government has been implementing the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme with effect from 01 April 2010.

Under the scheme, fertiliser subsidies are linked to their nutrient content. These nutrients include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Sulphur (S).  The subsidy rates for these nutrients are determined twice a year, for the Kharif and Rabi seasons, covering 28 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers.

This approach helps in promoting the judicious use of fertilizers by supporting farmers in accessing key nutrients at affordable prices. It also encourages farmers to use nutrients in balanced proportions according to their soil and crop requirements.

The P&K fertiliser sector operates under a decontrolled regime. Manufacturers and importers can determine the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) at reasonable levels, subject to government oversight. Therefore, farmers receive the benefit of the subsidy directly when they purchase these fertilizers.

To read more about the NBS Scheme Click Here.

NBS Rates for Rabi 2026-27

In view of the recent trends in the international prices of fertilizers & inputs, the Government approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for Rabi 2026-27 on 11 November 2026. The rates are applicable from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The tentative outlay for Rabi 2026-27 is approximately ₹62,370.02 crore. This is over 64% higher than the ₹37,952.29 crore allocated for Rabi 2025-26. Under the scheme, fertiliser companies receive subsidies at the rates approved and notified by the Government, as detailed below:

The subsidy support helps ensure that fertilisers remain available to farmers at affordable prices.

Further, the Government has also continued special provisions to ensure the availability of key fertilisers and support domestic production. These include:

1. Special provisions for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)

The Government will continue special provisions to ensure DAP availability at a fixed price of ₹1,350 per bag, beyond the regular NBS subsidy. These provisions have also been extended to imported and domestic Triple Superphosphate (TSP), and imported Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP).

2. Freight subsidy for Single Superphosphate (SSP)

The Government will continue freight subsidy for SSP during Rabi 2026-27. This aims to promote Single Superphosphate as an affordable alternative to Di-Ammonium Phosphate.

3. Subsidy for Ammonium Sulphate

The subsidy on imported and domestically produced Ammonium Sulphate will continue during Rabi 2026-27.

4. Sulphur package for domestic production

The Sulphur package provides support exclusively to domestic manufacturers of Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid. Under the package:

• Sulphur: Manufacturers receive 20% of the actual procurement cost, subject to a floor price of USD 800 per tonne.
• Sulphuric Acid: Manufacturers receive 20% of the actual procurement cost, subject to a floor price of USD 266.67 per tonne.

Key Benefits of the NBS Rates for Rabi 2026-27

The revised NBS rates and special provisions for Rabi 2026-27 ensure affordable fertiliser availability while supporting farmers and domestic production. The key benefits include:

• Affordable fertilisers: Ensures the availability of fertilisers to farmers at subsidised and reasonable prices.
• Rationalised subsidy: Aligns P&K fertiliser subsidies with recent trends in international fertiliser and input prices.
• Boost to domestic production: Supports domestic fertiliser production and helps reduce dependence on imports.
• Promotion of alternatives: Encourages affordable alternatives, such as Single Superphosphate for Di-Ammonium Phosphate and Ammonium Sulphate for Urea. This also promotes balanced use of nutrients.

• Support to farmers and food security: Reinforces the Government's farmer-first approach while supporting food security and farm incomes by keeping input costs stable through the Rabi season.

Progress Under the NBS Scheme

The impact of the NBS Scheme is reflected in increased fertiliser subsidy support and improved stock availability across the country.

Fertiliser Subsidy Disbursement

Between 2022-23 and 2025-26, the Government disbursed over ₹2.79 lakh crore in subsidies for indigenous and imported Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme.

Fertiliser Stock Availability

The overall stock of major fertilisers increased from 173.46 lakh tonnes on 10 November 2025 to 235.21 lakh tonnes on 10 November 2026. This represents an increase of approximately 35.6% over the previous year.

A Continued Commitment to Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture

The Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme plays an important role in promoting balanced fertilisation and ensuring affordable nutrient availability for farmers. The Rabi 2026-27 subsidy rates, along with continued special provisions, support fertiliser availability, domestic production and affordable alternatives. Increased subsidy disbursement and higher fertiliser stocks further reflect the Government's continued efforts. Together, these measures support farmers by promoting affordable fertiliser availability, balanced nutrient use and greater stability in agricultural input costs.

References

Cabinet

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2334972&reg=48&lang=2

Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers

https://sansad.in/getFile/annex/271/AS248_EPp7zO.pdf?source=pqars

https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/185/AS84_A9tlRY.pdf?source=pqals

PIB Backgrounders

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=156820&ModuleId=3&reg=1&lang=1

Click here to see PDF

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PIB Research