New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated that farmers remain the government’s highest priority as the Union Cabinet approved the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers for the rabi 2026-27 season.
Welcoming the decision, Modi said the government was committed to improving the lives of farmers despite challenging global circumstances. He emphasised that the subsidy would protect cultivators from fluctuations in international fertiliser prices and ensure the continued availability of essential agricultural inputs at affordable rates.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural community and reducing the financial burden on farmers.
The approved subsidy framework is expected to provide stability in fertiliser prices during the upcoming rabi season. By absorbing the impact of changes in global market prices, the government aims to ensure that farmers can access phosphatic and potassic fertilisers at reasonable rates without facing sudden increases in costs.
The tentative budgetary requirement for implementing the Nutrient-Based Subsidy scheme during the rabi 2026-27 season has been estimated at approximately Rs 62,370.02 crore.
This represents an increase of around Rs 24,417.73 crore compared to the estimated budgetary requirement of Rs 37,952.29 crore for the rabi 2025-26 season.
The increased allocation reflects the financial commitment required to maintain affordable fertiliser supplies amid changing international market conditions.
The decision is expected to provide important support to farmers ahead of the rabi cropping season, when fertilisers play a crucial role in crop growth and agricultural productivity. The subsidy will help maintain price stability while ensuring that cultivators have access to essential nutrients for their crops.
