Cabinet approves Rs 62,370 crore fertiliser subsidy for rabi season 2026-27

Ahead of the 25th instalment of the PM Kisan scheme, the Centre has taken a major decision for farmers. At a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, November 11, a fertiliser subsidy of Rs 62,370 crore for the rabi season was approved. The 24th instalment of the scheme was released on October 30.

The Cabinet cleared a proposal from the Department of Fertilisers fixing nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for rabi 2026-27. The rabi season runs from October 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Two other decisions were taken at the same meeting. A Rs 5,000 crore credit guarantee fund under the Mudra scheme was approved. A Rs 3,230 crore project to build the "Yugayugeen Bharat Museum" in New Delhi was also cleared.

After the meeting, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed reporters on the decisions. He said the Cabinet had approved a subsidy of Rs 62,370 crore for P&K fertilisers. Vaishnaw said fertiliser prices have risen sharply because of the crisis in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war. Even so, he said, the government has protected farmers' interests by providing adequate fertiliser subsidy.

According to the minister, the Modi government has given farmers a protective shield against geopolitical instability. Vaishnaw also said a 50-kg bag of DAP, or di-ammonium phosphate, will be available for Rs 1,350.

Vaishnaw said the subsidy on P&K fertilisers, including the DAP and NPKS categories (nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur), will be given on the rates approved for rabi 2026-27. He said the aim is to ensure farmers can get these nutrients easily at affordable prices.