The Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers promotes the balanced use of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur. The scheme helps farmers reduce over-dependence on any single fertilizer, improves soil health, and enhances crop productivity.
The Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme ensures the timely availability of fertilizers at affordable, subsidized prices. This support allows farmers to plan crops efficiently while maintaining cost stability during key agricultural seasons. The policy also encourages competition among fertilizer companies, resulting in better quality products, innovation, and improved efficiency in the fertilizer market.
Role of NBS Scheme in Fertilizer Innovation
Under the NBS Scheme, the government supports the introduction of new and advanced fertilizers, including micronutrient-enriched and specialty products. The scheme also rationalizes subsidies by aligning them with global fertilizer and raw material price trends. This approach ensures farmer welfare while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
NBS Rates for Rabi 2025–26
The government has approved NBS rates for the Rabi 2025–26 season for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, including DAP and NPKS grades. The approved rates will be effective from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
The estimated subsidy requirement under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme for Rabi 2025–26 stands at ₹37,952 crore, which is about ₹736 crore higher than the subsidy allocation for the Kharif 2025 season.
