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Fertiliser Firms Seek Mid-Season NBS Hike for Kharif 2026

30 July 20261 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALFertiliser FirmsSeek Mid-SeasonNBS Hike forKharif 202630 July 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Companies say imported inputs have turned costlier because of the West Asia conflict and want a mid-season subsidy increase for Kharif 2026.

Key facts

  • Demand: higher NBS rates for Kharif 2026, as ammonia and sulphur prices have jumped.
  • Industry worry: retail prices cannot rise much, so NP and NPKS output may fall without more subsidy.
  • Scheme: NBS began on 1 April 2010 for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers; subsidy depends on N, P, K and S content and goes directly to companies.

Key issues

  • Rates change only twice a year, so price shocks are hard to absorb.
  • Urea is outside NBS and heavily subsidised, causing excess nitrogen use.
  • India depends heavily on imported inputs.

Key terms

  • DAP: 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus.
  • MOP: main potash fertiliser; fully imported.
  • Balanced fertilisation: N:P:K of 4:2:1.

Government initiatives

  • PM-PRANAM, Nano Urea and Nano DAP, One Nation One Fertiliser (Bharat Brand) and the Soil Health Card Scheme.

Exam angle

  • Scheme start: 1 April 2010; urea excluded.
  • Related terms: NP, NPKS, DAP, MOP, PM-PRANAM.

Test yourself

1. The Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme was launched on which date?

NBS began on 1 April 2010 for phosphatic and potassic fertilisers.

2. Which fertiliser is NOT covered under the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme?

Urea remains outside NBS and is heavily subsidised.

3. What N:P:K ratio is recommended for balanced fertilisation, as per these notes?

The recommended balanced N:P:K ratio is 4:2:1.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 30 July 2026 (23 topics).

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