Reference:

• The Central Government approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the Kharif 2025 season on 28th March 2025.
• The primary objective of this decision is to provide affordable fertilizers to farmers, boost crop production, and ensure food security.

Key Points:

• Subsidy Amount: A total subsidy of ₹37,216.15 crore has been allocated for the Kharif 2025 season, which is ₹13,000 crore higher than the budget requirement for Rabi 2024-25.
• Fertilizer Availability: Subsidies will be provided on 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, including Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), Muriate of Potash (MOP), and NPKS fertilizers.
• Single Super Phosphate (SSP): The freight subsidy on SSP has been extended until Kharif 2025 to maintain price stability.
• Objective: This initiative ensures farmers get fertilizers at reasonable and affordable prices, reducing input costs and improving crop productivity.

Government-Approved NBS Rates:

• Nitrogen (N): ₹47.02 per kg
• Phosphorus (P): ₹28.72 per kg
• Potash (K): ₹2.38 per kg
• Sulphur (S): ₹1.89 per kg

Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy:

• Introduced: 2010
• Objective: To provide subsidized fertilizers to farmers at controlled prices.
• Legal Basis: Framed under the Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO), 1985, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
• Eligibility: Applicable to 25 grades of P&K fertilizers, including DAP, MOP, Mono-Ammonium Phosphate (MAP), Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), etc.
• Implemented by: Department of Fertilizers
• Applicability: Covers 22 fertilizers (excluding urea).
• Additional Subsidy: Provided for fertilizers enriched with secondary and micronutrients like Molybdenum (Mo) and Zinc.