Robust Monitoring and Strategic Subsidies Ensure Adequate P&K Stock Across All StatesMinister Confirms Integration of Advanced NPK Grades Under Nutrient-Based Subsidy Framework
The Union Government has reaffirmed its commitment to shielding Indian farmers from international market fluctuations by ensuring the availability of key fertilizers at affordable rates for the ongoing Rabi 2025-26 season. In a comprehensive update on the fertilizer sector, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announced that the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) has been maintained at a stable ₹1350 per 50 kg bag.
To achieve this price stability for DAP, the government has implemented special provisions of ₹3500 per MT to cover Other Costs, including logistics from factory to farm gate, GST components, and a guaranteed 4% reasonable return for manufacturers. This move ensures that despite shifts in global prices, the financial burden does not shift to the farmer.
Adequate Supplies and State-Wise Monitoring As of March 5, 2026, the availability of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers has remained adequate across the country. Nationwide data indicates:
- DAP: Against a pro-rata requirement of 51.38 LMT, the availability stands at 71.89 LMT.
- MOP: Availability is recorded at 18.17 LMT against a requirement of 14.18 LMT.
- NPKS: A total of 108.39 LMT is available, significantly exceeding the pro-rata requirement of 76.48 LMT.
The Ministry utilizes the integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS), an online web-based platform, to monitor the movement of all subsidized fertilizers in real-time. This is supported by close coordination with the Ministry of Railways to prioritize rake movement and ensure timely evacuation of stocks to various states.
Promoting Balanced Nutrition Under the revised Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) framework, the government has incorporated additional fertilizer grades such as 10:26:26 and 12:32:16. By providing subsidies based on the specific Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potash (K) content, the NBS policy empowers farmers to choose nutrients based on specific crop and soil requirements.
The average retail prices for other key grades (per 50 kg bag) for the 2025-26 period are:
- NPK 10-26-26: ₹1814.82
- NPK 12-32-16: ₹1711.87
- Muriate of Potash (MOP): ₹1710.54
This strategic framework not only facilitates balanced nutrient application but also aims to reduce the excessive reliance on urea, thereby preserving soil health.
This information was provided by Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question on March 10, 2026.
