The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for per Kilogram rates of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for various crop nutrients that is Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for Rabi season – 2022-23 (from October 01, 2022 to March 31, 2023) as below:
| Year | Rupees per Kilogram | |||
| N | P | K | S | |
| Rabi, 2022-23 (from 01.10.2022 to 31.03.2023) | 98.02 | 66.93 | 23.65 | 6.12 |
Financial outlay
Subsidy approved by the Cabinet for the NBS Rabi-2022 (from 01.10.2022 to 31.03.2023) will be Rs. 51,875 crores including support for indigenous fertiliser (SSP) through freight subsidy, a Government statement said.
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Benefits
This will enable the smooth availability of all P&K fertilisers to the farmers during Rabi 2022-23 at the subsidised and affordable prices of fertilisers and support the agriculture sector. The volatility in the international prices of fertilisers and raw materials has been primarily absorbed by the Union Government, the statement reads.
Background
The government is making available fertilisers, namely urea and 25 grades for P&K fertilisers to farmers at subsidised prices through fertiliser manufacturers and importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilisers is being governed by the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme w.e.f. April 01, 2010. In accordance with its farmer-friendly approach, the government is to ensure the availability of P&K fertilisers to the farmers at affordable prices. In view of a steep increase in the international prices of fertilisers and inputs i.e. urea, DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), MOP (Muriate of Potash) and sulphur, the Government has decided to absorb the increased prices by increasing subsidies on P&K fertilisers including DAP. The subsidy would be released to fertiliser companies as per approved rates so that they can make fertilisers available to farmers at an affordable price, the Government of India said.
