Fertiliser Prices Stable, Supply Secured for Farmers: Govt
Urea, DAP prices frozen; push for organic farming, balanced nutrient use
- Urea MRP unchanged since 2018; DAP prices stable for last three years
- Government bearing subsidy burden to shield farmers from global price swings
- Organic farming promoted through PKVY and MOVCDNER schemes
- Over 25 crore Soil Health Cards issued to encourage balanced fertiliser use
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 20th Dec: The Government of India on Friday said it has ensured stable fertiliser prices, uninterrupted availability and promotion of organic and balanced nutrient use to support farmers across the country.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur said the maximum retail price (MRP) of urea has remained unchanged since 2018, while the MRP of 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 both urea and phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers.
He noted that actual expenditure on urea varies due to fluctuations in global natural gas and raw material prices, while under the P&K scheme, a fixed subsidy is provided annually or bi-annually on notified fertilisers.
To ensure timely availability, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare assesses state-wise and month-wise fertiliser requirements ahead of each cropping season in consultation with states. Supplies are monitored through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS), with weekly review meetings held to streamline distribution.
The government has also notified alternative fertilisers such as organic fertilisers, bio-fertilisers, nano fertilisers, de-oiled cakes and organic carbon enhancers under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985.
Organic farming is being promoted through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). Under PKVY, farmers receive ₹31,500 per hectare over three years, while MOVCDNER provides assistance of ₹46,500 per hectare, including direct benefit transfers.
Balanced fertiliser use is encouraged through the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme. Since 2014–15, over 25.61 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated or distributed, supported by farmer trainings, demonstrations and awareness campaigns across the country.
