BIG RELIEF FOR INDIAN FARMERS: Government Approves ₹62,370 Crore Fertiliser Subsidy for Rabi 2026–27 as Rising Global Prices Raise Fresh Concerns for Agriculture (November 11, 2026)
Material update: November 12, 2026 · Union Cabinet decision announced November 11, 2026
The Union Cabinet has approved Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi 2026–27 season, with a tentative budgetary requirement of approximately ₹62,370.02 crore. The support will apply from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and covers notified P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades.
The planned outlay is about ₹24,417.73 crore higher than the ₹37,952.29 crore budgetary requirement for Rabi 2025–26—an increase of roughly 64%. The government says the revised rates take account of international fertiliser and input prices and are intended to help maintain affordable availability for farmers during the winter cropping season.
1. What did the Union Cabinet approve?
On November 11, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy rates for P&K fertilisers for the Rabi 2026–27 season. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers said the tentative budgetary requirement would be approximately ₹62,370.02 crore. The approved period runs from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, covering the six-month Rabi season support window.
The outlay is approximately ₹24,417.73 crore more than the ₹37,952.29 crore requirement for Rabi 2025–26. Rounded to the nearest whole crore, the new figure is commonly reported as ₹62,370 crore. The Cabinet briefing describes the increase as about 64% compared with the previous Rabi season.
The support applies to phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades. Under the NBS framework, the government sets nutrient-based subsidy rates and provides the subsidy to fertiliser companies at approved and notified rates. The policy objective is to help maintain availability of these products at affordable prices for farmers.
The Cabinet briefing also lists special provisions for DAP, the extension of those provisions to selected TSP and MAP products, freight subsidy for Single Super Phosphate (SSP), continuation of subsidy for ammonium sulphate, and a package supporting domestic sulphur and sulphuric-acid manufacturers. These measures are designed to address different parts of the fertiliser supply chain, not just the headline subsidy amount.
| Key item | Rabi 2026–27 decision | Comparison / explanation |
|---|---|---|
| NBS budgetary requirement | Approximately ₹62,370.02 crore | For P&K fertilisers during the Rabi 2026–27 period. |
| Previous Rabi requirement | ₹37,952.29 crore | Rabi 2025–26. |
| Increase in requirement | Approximately ₹24,417.73 crore | Roughly 64% higher than the previous Rabi season. |
| Applicable period | October 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 | Six-month Rabi 2026–27 season. |
| Covered products | P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades | The specific notified grades and approved rates govern subsidy payments. |
| Subsidy recipient | Fertiliser companies | The subsidy is paid under the approved framework to support farmer-facing availability and affordability. |
It is useful to be precise with the phrase “fertiliser subsidy”. The Cabinet’s ₹62,370.02 crore figure is the NBS budgetary requirement for P&K fertilisers. Urea is an important fertiliser and its international price was among the inputs monitored by the government, but the ₹62,370.02 crore announcement is specifically about the P&K NBS rates. It is not a statement that the full subsidy requirement for all fertiliser categories is only ₹62,370 crore.
2. Why has the Rabi fertiliser subsidy requirement increased?
The government says the revised NBS rates reflect recent trends in international fertiliser prices and input costs. Its November 11 release specifically refers to international prices of urea, DAP, muriate of potash (MOP) and sulphur. These inputs matter because the cost of producing or importing fertiliser can change with global commodity prices, energy costs, shipping charges, insurance and supply disruptions.
India relies on imports for several fertiliser products and key raw materials. When global prices rise, the landed cost of imported products or inputs can increase. If the government wants farmers to continue receiving fertilisers at subsidised or controlled prices, the difference between the cost of supply and the price paid by farmers may require a larger subsidy commitment.
Recent disruptions to global supply chains have added uncertainty to the market. Reuters reported that the Cabinet decision followed disruptions linked to the Russia–Ukraine war and wider global fertiliser supply pressures, which have raised prices and import costs. Indian reporting has also highlighted the impact of elevated sulphur prices on the manufacture of DAP, SSP and complex fertilisers. The government’s official explanation is that the approved NBS rates take account of international prices of fertilisers and inputs.
Why sulphur matters for fertiliser production
Sulphur is used in the production chain for several fertiliser products and related industrial chemicals. When the price of sulphur rises sharply, it can increase costs for manufacturers that use it directly or use sulphuric acid in their production processes. That pressure can feed into the cost of P&K fertilisers and complex grades.
The Cabinet briefing therefore includes a special sulphur package for domestic manufacturers. It provides support based on a share of actual procurement cost, subject to specified floor prices. The details are important: the package is directed to domestic manufacturers, not a direct cash payment to individual farmers.
Why the government uses a higher subsidy instead of simply letting prices rise
The purpose of the subsidy framework is to reduce the extent to which international cost movements are immediately reflected in the amount farmers pay. Fertilisers are a major crop input, and sudden increases in input costs can affect the economics of cultivation. The government says its objective is to ensure the smooth availability of fertilisers at affordable and reasonable prices during the Rabi season.
That does not mean every fertiliser price is automatically frozen at the same level. The ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag provision is specifically identified for DAP in the Cabinet briefing. Other fertiliser products have different formulations, nutrient content, subsidy components and retail-price arrangements. Farmers should check the current printed retail price and product label at the point of purchase.
What does the 64% increase mean?
The increase shows that the government expects a substantially higher budgetary requirement for P&K subsidies in the current Rabi season than in the previous Rabi season. It does not mean every farmer will receive 64% more fertiliser, that all fertiliser prices will fall by 64%, or that a farmer’s individual subsidy entitlement rises by that percentage. The increase is a change in the total estimated budgetary requirement for the specified subsidy programme.
3. What is the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme?
The Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme is the framework used by the government to subsidise specified phosphatic and potassic fertilisers. The government has operated the NBS scheme since April 1, 2010. It covers 28 grades of P&K fertilisers, including DAP, which are made available to farmers through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.
Instead of announcing one identical subsidy amount for every bag of every fertiliser, the NBS system sets rates for the nutrients contained in eligible products. These nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potash (K) and sulphur (S). The amount of subsidy associated with a particular fertiliser grade depends on its nutrient composition and the applicable notified rates.
Why nutrients matter more than only the product name
Fertilisers are formulated to provide plants with different nutrients. Nitrogen supports vegetative growth, phosphorus supports root development and energy transfer, potassium is involved in several plant processes and sulphur is important for protein formation and crop quality. Different crops and soils require different nutrient combinations.
That is why the NBS framework looks at the nutrient content of fertiliser grades. DAP, NPK and other notified products do not all contain identical percentages of nutrients. A nutrient-based subsidy can therefore be linked to the formulation rather than treated as a single flat amount that is the same for every product.
Who receives the subsidy?
The government’s November 11 release says the subsidy is provided to fertiliser companies according to approved and notified rates. Manufacturers and importers supply eligible products through the distribution network. The policy is designed to support availability at subsidised and affordable prices for farmers.
This is different from a direct cash transfer to a farmer’s bank account. The farmer generally receives the benefit through the subsidised price and availability of the product at the point of sale. The Cabinet decision does not announce a separate ₹62,370 crore direct payment to individual farmers.
What is included—and what is not?
The current announcement covers P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades, and lists separate special provisions for SSP, ammonium sulphate, TSP and MAP. Urea is not covered by this ₹62,370.02 crore P&K NBS budget figure. Although urea prices and inputs are mentioned in the government’s background explanation of global price trends, readers should not combine the urea subsidy with this specific NBS outlay without separate budget data.
4. Rabi 2026–27 NBS rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur
The Cabinet briefing provides the approved nutrient-based subsidy rates for P&K fertilisers for the Rabi 2026–27 period. The rates shown below are expressed in rupees per kilogram of nutrient. They apply for the notified Rabi period from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
| Nutrient | Symbol | Rabi 2026–27 NBS rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | N | ₹94.21 | Per kg of nutrient |
| Phosphorus | P | ₹66.11 | Per kg of nutrient |
| Potash | K | ₹2.38 | Per kg of nutrient |
| Sulphur | S | ₹10.42 | Per kg of nutrient |
These figures are not the retail price of a fertiliser bag. They are subsidy rates per kilogram of nutrient under the NBS framework. The amount of subsidy associated with a particular product depends on its nutrient composition and the applicable scheme calculation.
Why the NBS rate table should not be mistaken for a retail-price list
A farmer buying a bag of fertiliser pays the applicable retail price for that product. The nutrient-based subsidy is a component of the support provided to the manufacturer or importer under the policy framework. A bag may contain more than one nutrient, and the product’s final price also depends on production or import costs, formulation, logistics and the applicable product-specific provisions.
Does the nitrogen rate mean urea receives ₹94.21 per kg under this same package?
No. The Cabinet announcement concerns NBS rates on P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades. The presence of nitrogen as a nutrient in the table does not mean the ₹62,370.02 crore package is the urea subsidy allocation. Urea follows a separate subsidy and pricing framework. This distinction is important because the word “nitrogen” appears in NPK formulations as well as in urea.
How farmers should use this information
Farmers can use the approved rates as a policy reference, but they should not calculate an individual bag subsidy themselves based only on the table. They should check the fertiliser grade, printed retail price, nutrient composition and dealer bill. For crop-specific nutrient planning, local agriculture officers, soil-testing laboratories and Krishi Vigyan Kendras can provide advice suited to the soil and crop.
5. DAP, TSP, MAP, SSP and ammonium sulphate: special measures for Rabi
Alongside the nutrient-based subsidy rates, the Cabinet briefing describes several additional measures intended to support supply and manage costs across different fertiliser products. These provisions are significant because farmers use different fertiliser grades according to crop, soil and local availability.
DAP at ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag
The Cabinet briefing says special provisions will ensure the availability of DAP at a fixed price of ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag beyond the NBS. This is one of the clearest farmer-facing details in the package. DAP is widely used as a source of phosphorus and nitrogen, particularly during crop establishment and early growth stages.
The ₹1,350 figure is a price provision for DAP as stated in the Cabinet briefing. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed price for all fertilisers, all bag sizes or all brands. Farmers should check the product name, bag weight, retail price printed on the bag and receipt when purchasing fertiliser.
Special provisions extended to TSP and MAP
The government has extended the special provisions applicable for DAP to imported Triple Superphosphate (TSP), domestic TSP and imported Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP). These are phosphate-based fertiliser products used in agricultural nutrient programmes. Their inclusion broadens the package beyond DAP alone and is intended to help maintain access to phosphatic fertiliser alternatives.
Freight subsidy for Single Super Phosphate (SSP)
The Cabinet briefing says freight subsidy on Single Super Phosphate will continue during Rabi 2026–27 to promote SSP as an affordable substitute for DAP. Freight is a major part of the delivered cost when fertiliser must move over long distances. Supporting freight can help improve the economics of moving SSP to markets where it may be used as an alternative source of phosphorus and sulphur.
SSP is not a direct one-for-one replacement for DAP in every agronomic situation because their nutrient compositions differ. Farmers should not change fertiliser application rates only because a product is described as an alternative. The quantity and choice of product should be guided by soil test results, crop nutrient requirements and recommendations from qualified agriculture personnel.
Subsidy on imported and domestic ammonium sulphate
The government will also continue the subsidy on imported and domestic ammonium sulphate for Rabi 2026–27. Ammonium sulphate provides nitrogen and sulphur, and it may be used where its nutrient profile fits the crop and soil requirement. Its use should be based on agronomic advice rather than a simple assumption that one subsidised product is suitable for every field.
Special sulphur package for domestic manufacturers
The Cabinet briefing includes a package to support domestic production of sulphur and sulphuric acid. It says the package applies only to domestic manufacturers. For sulphur, manufacturers will receive 20% of actual procurement cost subject to a floor price of US$800 per tonne. For sulphuric acid, manufacturers will receive 20% of actual procurement cost subject to a floor price of US$266.67 per tonne.
The Department of Fertilisers is expected to issue detailed implementation guidelines. The package is aimed at domestic production and supply-chain capacity. It is not a direct payment of 20% of the cost to farmers buying fertiliser at a retail outlet.
| Product / measure | Cabinet briefing detail | Who or what it supports |
|---|---|---|
| DAP | Special provision to ensure a fixed price of ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag beyond NBS | Farmer-facing DAP availability and price support. |
| Imported TSP, domestic TSP and imported MAP | Special provisions applicable to DAP extended to these products | Selected phosphatic fertiliser alternatives. |
| SSP | Freight subsidy continues for Rabi 2026–27 | Promotes SSP as an affordable alternative to DAP, subject to crop and soil suitability. |
| Ammonium sulphate | Subsidy continues on imported and domestic product | Supports availability of a nitrogen-and-sulphur fertiliser. |
| Domestic sulphur manufacturers | 20% of actual procurement cost, subject to a floor price of US$800 per tonne | Domestic sulphur production. |
| Domestic sulphuric-acid manufacturers | 20% of actual procurement cost, subject to a floor price of US$266.67 per tonne | Domestic sulphuric-acid production. |
6. What is India’s fertiliser stock position ahead of the Rabi season?
The Cabinet briefing also provides a national stock-position comparison for November 10, 2026, against November 10, 2025. The table shows that total reported stocks of the listed fertiliser categories were 235.21 lakh tonnes on November 10, 2026, compared with 173.46 lakh tonnes a year earlier.
In the aggregate, that is an increase of 61.75 lakh tonnes, or approximately 35.6%. Urea, DAP, NPK and MOP stocks were higher than their year-earlier levels in the table. SSP stocks were slightly lower. This provides useful context for the government’s stated objective of keeping fertiliser supplies available through the Rabi season.
| Fertiliser | Stock on 10 Nov 2025 (lakh tonnes) | Stock on 10 Nov 2026 (lakh tonnes) | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urea | 72.14 | 103.12 | +42.9% |
| DAP | 24.86 | 28.65 | +15.2% |
| NPKs | 42.44 | 60.87 | +43.4% |
| MOP | 10.78 | 20.08 | +86.3% |
| SSP | 23.24 | 22.49 | −3.2% |
| Total | 173.46 | 235.21 | +35.6% |
These are national aggregate stock figures from the Cabinet briefing. They do not guarantee that every district, block, cooperative society or private retailer has every fertiliser grade available at the same time. Distribution depends on state-wise requirements, transport, local storage, seasonal demand, dealer stocks and the timing of deliveries.
Why national stocks and local availability can differ
Fertiliser demand rises at particular times in the sowing calendar. A state or district may need a specific grade in a short window, and farmers may all seek the same product around planting. Even when national stocks are higher than the previous year, a shortage at a local outlet can occur if transport or allocation does not match the timing and location of demand.
For that reason, national stock figures should be treated as a broad supply indicator rather than a promise of immediate local availability. Farmers should contact local agriculture offices, cooperative societies or authorised retailers for current stock information and avoid panic buying or unauthorised purchases.
SSP is the one listed category with a lower stock figure
SSP stocks were 22.49 lakh tonnes on November 10, 2026, compared with 23.24 lakh tonnes on the same date in 2025, a decline of about 3.2%. The Cabinet briefing separately says freight subsidy will continue for SSP to promote it as an affordable substitute for DAP. The stock comparison and the freight-support decision together make SSP an important product to monitor during the season.
7. What does the subsidy decision mean for farmers?
The policy is designed to help maintain availability of P&K fertilisers at affordable and reasonable prices during Rabi 2026–27. Farmers growing wheat, mustard, gram, barley, peas and other Rabi crops rely on balanced nutrient management. The choice and quantity of fertiliser should depend on crop needs, soil condition and local agronomic recommendations rather than the size of the national subsidy alone.
Potential benefit: reduce exposure to global price swings
When international prices or imported input costs rise, a higher subsidy requirement can help prevent the full increase from reaching farmers immediately. The government says this is one of the purposes of revising NBS rates. The exact price benefit differs by product because fertiliser formulas, nutrient content, subsidy rates and supply arrangements vary.
Potential benefit: maintain DAP affordability
The Cabinet briefing says the special provision to ensure DAP at ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag will continue beyond NBS. This is a direct and specific detail farmers can check when buying DAP. They should make sure they are purchasing the correct product and bag size and receive a bill or receipt from an authorised seller.
Potential benefit: more options across phosphate fertilisers
Extending special provisions to TSP and MAP and continuing freight subsidy for SSP can help the supply chain make additional phosphate fertiliser options available. However, the best product for a field depends on nutrient requirement and product composition. A farmer should not switch from DAP to SSP or another grade solely because it is described as more affordable; the nutrient application plan must still be correct.
What the subsidy does not guarantee
- It does not guarantee that every farmer receives a cash transfer into a bank account.
- It does not mean all fertiliser products will have one fixed retail price.
- It does not guarantee that every grade will be available at every local outlet on every date.
- It does not make fertiliser free or remove the need to pay the applicable retail price.
- It does not mean the ₹62,370 crore figure is the complete subsidy outlay for every fertiliser category.
- It does not replace soil testing or crop-specific nutrient recommendations.
Why balanced nutrient use still matters
Using more fertiliser than a crop needs can increase costs and may harm soil, water or crop outcomes. Using too little or applying the wrong nutrient can also reduce yields. Farmers should use soil test information where available and follow recommendations from agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras or qualified agronomists. The objective is balanced nutrient application rather than maximum consumption of any one product.
8. How global fertiliser markets affect India’s farmers
International fertiliser prices affect India through the cost of imported finished products and raw materials. Some fertiliser ingredients are linked to energy-intensive industrial processes, while others depend on mining, processing, shipping and global trade routes. A disruption in one part of the supply chain can influence the landed cost of a product even if domestic demand remains unchanged.
For example, DAP and complex fertilisers depend on inputs such as phosphoric acid, ammonia and sulphur. MOP is a potash fertiliser whose cost is influenced by the global potash market and transport. Urea production depends heavily on natural gas as a feedstock. Freight, insurance, currency movements and port logistics can also change the final import cost.
Why the global price effect is not the same for every fertiliser
Different products have different supply chains. A fall in the global price of one input may not offset a rise in another. That is why the government’s release refers to multiple products and inputs—urea, DAP, MOP and sulphur—rather than stating that one global fertiliser index explains all costs.
Why supply-chain disruptions matter during planting windows
Fertiliser demand is seasonal. A product arriving late can be less useful to a farmer than the same product arriving before sowing or an important crop growth stage. Even if supply improves later in the season, a farmer may already have missed the timing when the nutrient was needed. This makes inventory, ports, domestic manufacturing, distribution and state-level planning important parts of fertiliser policy.
What the domestic sulphur package tries to address
The domestic sulphur and sulphuric-acid package is intended to support production of these inputs in India. The Cabinet briefing links the measure to domestic production and reducing reliance on imports amid the West Asia crisis. It is an industrial-side supply measure, not a direct fertiliser payment to each farmer.
Any longer-term impact will depend on implementation guidelines, actual procurement costs, domestic manufacturing response, the availability of raw materials and the time required for increased production to reach fertiliser supply chains.
9. Practical checklist for farmers during Rabi 2026–27
Farmers can use the following checklist to understand the package and avoid misunderstandings at the point of purchase.
Before buying fertiliser
- Check the crop and soil nutrient recommendation for your field.
- Confirm the product name, grade, bag weight and printed retail price.
- For DAP, check the ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag provision described in the Cabinet briefing.
- Buy from an authorised dealer, cooperative society or recognised fertiliser outlet.
- Ask for a proper bill or receipt and keep it until the crop season is complete.
- Do not buy products that are forcibly bundled with unrelated items or accept a price different from the authorised retail terms without checking with local authorities.
If a product is unavailable
- Contact the local agriculture office or cooperative society for information on stock arrival.
- Ask whether an agronomically suitable alternative grade is available.
- Do not substitute fertilisers or change application quantities without understanding nutrient content.
- Avoid paying unofficial charges or purchasing from unverified sellers.
- Report suspected overcharging, hoarding or forced bundling to the relevant state agriculture or fertiliser authority.
Use soil testing and balanced nutrient management
A soil test helps identify nutrient needs and can reduce unnecessary spending. The correct fertiliser plan depends on the crop, soil, irrigation, yield target and previous crop history. The NBS rates are government subsidy rates, not agronomic recommendations for how many kilograms to apply to each acre or hectare.
Keep records of input costs
Record the quantity, product, price, date and seller for every fertiliser purchase. These details help farmers track input costs, plan future purchases and resolve billing or availability disputes. They also make it easier to compare the cost of fertiliser with crop income after harvest.
10. What the decision means for agriculture and the wider economy
Fertiliser subsidy decisions affect more than the retail price of one input. They influence the government’s fiscal position, the financial health of fertiliser companies, domestic production incentives, import dependence, and the cost structure of crop cultivation. The Rabi 2026–27 decision combines NBS support for P&K products with additional measures for DAP, SSP, ammonium sulphate and domestic sulphur-related production.
For farmers and crop production
More predictable fertiliser availability and moderated prices can help farmers plan crop inputs. However, the benefit will depend on timely distribution and whether local retailers have the grades farmers need. National stock numbers and subsidy outlays are important, but the experience of an individual farmer is determined by the product reaching the village outlet at the right time and at the approved price.
For fertiliser manufacturers and importers
Subsidy rates and special packages help firms operate within a system where input costs and retail affordability must be balanced. The NBS rates are paid to fertiliser companies according to approved and notified terms. The sulphur package adds a production-side support measure for domestic manufacturers. Implementation details and payment timelines matter to the actual effect on company operations and product supply.
For the government budget
The ₹62,370.02 crore requirement is a substantial budgetary commitment for one six-month P&K subsidy period. The increase from the previous Rabi season reflects the higher level of support required under the approved rates. It also demonstrates how volatile global input markets can affect public spending when the government seeks to cushion farmers from cost increases.
For long-term self-reliance
Support for domestic sulphur and sulphuric-acid production is one element of the effort to strengthen domestic supply. India’s fertiliser security also depends on domestic manufacturing capacity, access to imported raw materials, shipping and storage infrastructure, technology, efficient distribution and prudent nutrient use. No single subsidy package can eliminate all import dependence, but supply-chain measures can help manage exposure to global shocks.
For food security
Fertiliser availability is one factor in crop productivity and farm economics. The Rabi season includes important food and oilseed crops, and access to the appropriate nutrients at the right time can support crop development. However, yields depend on many other factors, including rainfall, irrigation, seed quality, pest and disease management, soil conditions, labour and market access.
The government describes the package as part of its effort to keep fertilisers available and affordable. Whether those objectives are met fully will become clearer as the season progresses and district-level supply, prices and farmer experience can be assessed.
11. More agriculture and government-scheme updates on WBSchemeNews
Visit these relevant sections on WBSchemeNews to find agriculture updates, central government schemes and other official policy explainers.
12. Frequently asked questions
1. How much fertiliser subsidy has the Cabinet approved for Rabi 2026–27?
The Union Cabinet approved NBS rates for P&K fertilisers with a tentative budgetary requirement of approximately ₹62,370.02 crore for the Rabi 2026–27 period.
2. What dates does the Rabi 2026–27 subsidy cover?
The approved NBS rates apply from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
3. How much higher is the subsidy requirement than last Rabi?
The requirement is approximately ₹24,417.73 crore above the ₹37,952.29 crore budgetary requirement for Rabi 2025–26, an increase of roughly 64%.
4. Does ₹62,370 crore cover every fertiliser, including urea?
No. The figure is the tentative budgetary requirement for the Rabi 2026–27 NBS rates on phosphatic and potassic fertilisers. It should not be treated as the full subsidy outlay for all fertiliser categories, including urea.
5. Which fertilisers are covered by the NBS announcement?
The announcement covers notified P&K fertilisers, including DAP and NPKS grades. The Cabinet briefing also describes special provisions for TSP, MAP, SSP, ammonium sulphate and domestic sulphur-related production.
6. What is the DAP price mentioned in the Cabinet briefing?
The briefing says special provisions will ensure the availability of DAP at a fixed price of ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag beyond NBS.
7. What are the approved NBS rates for Rabi 2026–27?
The Cabinet briefing lists ₹94.21 per kg for nitrogen, ₹66.11 for phosphorus, ₹2.38 for potash and ₹10.42 for sulphur. These are rates per kilogram of nutrient, not retail prices per bag.
8. Does the ₹94.21 nitrogen rate mean the urea subsidy?
No. The ₹62,370.02 crore announcement is for P&K NBS rates. Urea is covered under a separate subsidy and pricing framework. Nitrogen can also be present in NPKS products.
9. What extra support is being provided for SSP?
The government will continue the freight subsidy for Single Super Phosphate during Rabi 2026–27 to promote SSP as an affordable alternative to DAP. Farmers should use an alternative only when its nutrient composition suits the crop and soil recommendation.
10. What are the sulphur package details?
The package applies only to domestic manufacturers. Sulphur manufacturers receive 20% of actual procurement cost subject to a floor price of US$800 per tonne, while sulphuric-acid manufacturers receive 20% subject to a floor price of US$266.67 per tonne.
11. Is the subsidy paid directly into farmers’ bank accounts?
The PIB release says the subsidy will be provided to fertiliser companies at approved and notified rates. It is intended to support subsidised and affordable product availability, not a ₹62,370 crore direct cash transfer to individual farmers.
12. How much fertiliser stock was available nationally on November 10, 2026?
The Cabinet briefing reported total stocks of 235.21 lakh tonnes on November 10, 2026, compared with 173.46 lakh tonnes on November 10, 2025. Local availability can still vary by state, district, product and timing.
13. Does the stock increase guarantee every farmer can buy fertiliser locally?
No. National stock figures do not guarantee that every grade is available at every local outlet. Distribution, transport, state-level demand and the timing of deliveries affect local supply.
14. Why did the subsidy requirement increase?
The government cited recent international prices of fertilisers and inputs, including urea, DAP, MOP and sulphur. Global supply-chain disruptions and higher landed input costs have also been reported as factors affecting fertiliser costs.
15. Can farmers use SSP instead of DAP?
The Cabinet briefing describes SSP as an affordable substitute for DAP in the context of freight support. Their nutrient composition is different, so farmers should follow soil-test results and local agronomic recommendations before changing products or application rates.
16. Where can farmers verify official details?
Farmers can consult the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers / PIB announcement, the Cabinet briefing document, local agriculture offices, cooperative societies and authorised fertiliser retailers.
13. Conclusion: higher support, but local availability and correct use will matter
The Union Cabinet’s approval of approximately ₹62,370.02 crore in NBS support for Rabi 2026–27 marks a substantial increase in the budgetary requirement for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers. The allocation is roughly 64% higher than the previous Rabi requirement, reflecting the government’s response to international fertiliser and input-price trends.
The package goes beyond the core NBS rates. It includes continued DAP price provisions at ₹1,350 per 50-kg bag, extension of special provisions to selected TSP and MAP products, freight subsidy for SSP, continuation of ammonium sulphate subsidy and support for domestic sulphur and sulphuric-acid manufacturers. National fertiliser stocks were also reported at 235.21 lakh tonnes on November 10, 2026, higher than the year-earlier total in the Cabinet briefing.
For farmers, the practical test will be whether the right fertiliser grades are available locally, at the approved retail terms and at the time crops need them. The subsidy does not remove the importance of soil testing, balanced nutrient use, careful input budgeting and buying through authorised sellers. It also should not be mistaken for a direct cash transfer or a subsidy covering every fertiliser category.
As Rabi 2026–27 progresses, farmers and local officials will be watching availability, product prices, distribution and the impact of global input costs. The government’s stated objective is to keep P&K fertilisers available at affordable prices; actual results will depend on implementation across the supply chain and in local markets.
14. Sources and references
- Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers — “Cabinet approves Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi 2026–27,” November 11, 2026. Primary source for the ₹62,370.02 crore tentative budgetary requirement, previous-season comparison, applicable dates, P&K scope and government rationale.
Read the PIB release ↗ - Government of India — Cabinet Briefing, November 11, 2026, pages 11–15. Official source for the nutrient rates, DAP price provision, TSP/MAP, SSP, ammonium sulphate and sulphur measures, and national fertiliser stock table.
Open Cabinet briefing PDF ↗ - Reuters — “Indian cabinet clears $6.65 billion fertiliser subsidy for winter season,” November 11, 2026. Independent reporting on the subsidy amount, increase over the prior Rabi season and global fertiliser supply-chain context.
Read Reuters ↗ - Business Standard — “Centre sharply raises non-urea fertiliser subsidy for rabi amid price surge,” November 11, 2026. Additional reporting on NBS rate changes, sulphur pricing and the broader non-urea subsidy context.
Read Business Standard ↗ - Department of Fertilisers / Press Information Bureau — “Government Takes Comprehensive Measures to Safeguard Fertilizer Supplies Amid West Asia Geopolitical Tensions,” July 24, 2026. Background on supply-chain disruption, shipping costs, raw materials and availability management.
Read the government supply-chain update ↗ - WBSchemeNews — Agriculture & Environment category. Internal coverage of agriculture and environment topics.
Browse Agriculture & Environment ↗ - WBSchemeNews — Central Government Yojana category. Internal government scheme coverage and related updates.
Browse Central Government Yojana ↗