Ziraat Times Team Report
New Delhi: The Government has said it is ensuring stable fertiliser prices, adequate availability across the country and the promotion of organic and balanced nutrient use to support farmers and sustain agricultural productivity.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur said the maximum retail price of urea has remained unchanged since 2018, while the price of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) has been kept constant for the last three years, from 2023–24 to 2025–26. To maintain price stability, the Centre is bearing the subsidy burden on urea as well as phosphatic and potassic fertilisers.
The minister explained that actual expenditure on urea fluctuates depending on changes in natural gas prices, other raw materials used in production and international import prices. Under the phosphatic and potassic fertiliser scheme, a fixed subsidy is decided on an annual or bi-annual basis and provided on notified fertilisers.
To ensure timely availability, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in consultation with State governments, assesses the state-wise and month-wise requirement of fertilisers before the start of each cropping season. Based on this assessment, the Department of Fertilisers supplies adequate quantities to States. The movement of all major subsidised fertilisers is monitored through the Integrated Fertiliser Management System, an online, web-based platform. Weekly review meetings with States are held, and State governments are advised to coordinate with manufacturers and importers for timely placement of indents and smooth supply.
The government has also notified alternative fertilisers under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, including organic fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, de-oiled cakes, organic carbon enhancers and nano fertilisers, to ensure their availability and quality.
Promotion of organic farming is being undertaken through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana in all States and Union Territories except the North Eastern region, and through the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region in the North Eastern States. Under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years is provided, including ₹15,000 per hectare as direct benefit transfer to farmers for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs. Under the North Eastern mission, assistance of ₹46,500 per hectare over three years is extended, of which ₹32,500 per hectare is provided for organic inputs, including ₹15,000 as direct benefit transfer to farmers.
Balanced and judicious use of fertilisers is being promoted through the Soil Health and Fertility scheme, implemented since 2014–15. The scheme provides Soil Health Cards to farm holdings to encourage integrated nutrient management and improve soil fertility. Soil testing is conducted periodically to issue Soil Health Cards at least once every three years. Since its launch, 25.61 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated and distributed across the country. An amount of ₹1,970 crore has been released under the scheme so far, with 93,781 farmer trainings, 6.80 lakh demonstrations and 7,425 farmer melas and awareness campaigns organised nationwide.
