Government Ensures Adequate Fertilizer Availability with Price Controls for Kharif 2026
The Government of India has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure timely and adequate availability of all major fertilizers including Urea, DAP, MOP, and NPKS across all states during the Kharif 2026 season. Through advance planning and continuous monitoring coordinated with State Governments, the Department of Fertilizers allocates supplies based on state-wise and month-wise requirements assessed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Movement of subsidized fertilizers is tracked through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS), with weekly review meetings addressing emerging supply issues.
Special Financial Support for DAP Pricing
The government has extended special financial provisions to maintain DAP prices at ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag for Kharif 2026. This includes ₹3,500 per MT to cover 'Other Costs' from factory gate to farm gate, provisions for international price fluctuations, GST component inclusion in MRP, and a reasonable return of 4% of net MRP (MRP-GST) for both imported and domestic DAP as well as imported TSP, over and above the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS).
Soil Health & Fertility Scheme Achievements
The Soil Health & Fertility scheme, implemented since 2014-15, has distributed 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards nationwide as of current date. The scheme has released ₹2,153.29 crore in funding since inception and established 1,020 school mini soil labs under the school soil health programme. Extensive outreach includes 93,781 farmer trainings, 6.80 lakh demonstrations, and 7,425 farmer melas/campaigns on soil health card recommendations, covering 13,51,166 hectares under Promotion & Distribution of Micronutrients.
Impact Studies and Findings
A 2017 study by National Productivity Council across 76 districts of 19 states found that application of fertilizers as per SHC recommendations resulted in 8-10% decrease in chemical fertilizer use and 5-6% increase in crop yields. A MANAGE Hyderabad impact study (November 2017) found that 62.8% of farmers use fertilizers according to SHC recommendations, reducing cost per acre by 4-10% and specifically showing paddy farmers reduced urea use by 9% and DAP/Single Super Phosphate by 7% while increasing potassium use by 20%.
NITI Aayog Evaluation and Recommendations
NITI Aayog's evaluation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme noted conceptual strengths including promotion of balanced fertilization through nutrient-linked subsidies, expansion to 28 fertilizer grades, and lower subsidy requirements compared to urea. The study identified areas for improvement including inclusion of urea within the NBS framework, streamlining operational processes, reducing import dependence, and improving affordability for small and marginal farmers.
The information was provided by Hon'ble Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.