Cabinet approves Rabi fertiliser subsidy package of about ₹62,370 crore

The Union Cabinet approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy package for the Rabi 2026–27 season on 11 November 2026. It applies to phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the period from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. The package carries an estimated outlay of about ₹62,370 crore. The corresponding amount for the previous Rabi season was ₹37,952 crore, making the new package approximately 64% higher.

The approved rates are ₹94.21 per kg of nitrogen, ₹66.11 per kg of phosphate, ₹2.38 per kg of potash and ₹10.42 per kg of sulphur. These figures describe the subsidy attached to nutrient content. They are not the price of a kilogram of a finished fertiliser or a bag sold to a farmer. The distinction matters because different products contain different combinations of nutrients. The package also includes provisions for several fertiliser types, including diammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate and single superphosphate.

Facts to remember

• Cabinet approval: 11 November 2026.
• Season covered: 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
• Estimated package: about ₹62,370 crore.
• Nutrient subsidy per kg: nitrogen ₹94.21, phosphate ₹66.11, potash ₹2.38 and sulphur ₹10.42.

Background

The Nutrient Based Subsidy policy for eligible phosphatic and potassic fertilisers took effect on 1 April 2010. It specifies support on a per-kg nutrient basis. Those rates are converted into subsidy amounts for fertiliser products using their nutrient composition, rather than treating every product as if it had the same contents.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Economy and agriculture policy, distinguish nutrient subsidy rates from retail prices and retain the correct Rabi period.