In a major relief for farmers ahead of the rabi sowing season, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved a fertilizer subsidy package of ₹37,952 crore for the ongoing winter crop cycle, marking a substantial increase of nearly ₹14,000 crore compared to last year’s rabi season.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the government had decided to enhance subsidies on phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) fertilizers while maintaining the same rates for nitrogen (N) and potash (K) as provided during the 2025 kharif season.
“The subsidy approved for the 2025 rabi season is higher by about ₹14,000 crore from the previous rabi season,” Vaishnaw said. “The rates will be applicable from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.”
Under the revised structure, the subsidy for phosphate has been increased to ₹47.96 per kg from ₹43.60 per kg during the kharif season. The rate for sulphur has been raised to ₹2.87 per kg, up from ₹1.77 per kg earlier. Meanwhile, the subsidies for nitrogen and potash remain unchanged at ₹43.02 per kg and ₹2.38 per kg, respectively.
The Centre said the new rates were calculated based on multiple factors including international import prices, nutrient requirements, the government’s fiscal capacity, and the need to maintain stable retail fertilizer prices for farmers.
Vaishnaw added that a special package has also been introduced to ensure the adequate availability of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and triple super phosphate (TSP) during the rabi season, both of which are essential for improving soil fertility and crop productivity.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the increase reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector at a crucial time. “On behalf of all farmers, I thank the Prime Minister for increasing the fertilizer subsidy. The agriculture sector has been achieving record milestones due to timely and favourable monsoon, efficient planning, and digital innovations,” he said.
Officials said the higher subsidy will ensure that farmers continue to get fertilizers at affordable prices despite volatility in global raw material costs. The move also aligns with the government’s broader goal of promoting food security and stabilizing agricultural production in the wake of fluctuating weather patterns.
The revised subsidy scheme, effective until March 2026, is expected to help maintain sufficient fertilizer stocks across states and boost the upcoming rabi crops, including wheat, pulses, mustard, and barley, which are critical for India’s food supply and rural economy.
