NUTRIENT BASED SUBSIDY (NBS)
जोड़ना
What is Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)?
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) is the central government scheme that provides subsidy on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers — DAP, MOP, complex fertilizers (NPK), and 23+ other nutrient-based fertilizers (except urea which is under a separate subsidy regime). NBS subsidy is fixed PER NUTRIENT (N, P, K, S) on an annual basis by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Fertilizer companies sell at MRP fixed by the government and claim NBS subsidy from the centre. This scheme keeps fertilizers affordable for farmers — India's total fertilizer subsidy bill is Rs 1.8+ lakh crore/year (urea + NBS combined). NBS is run by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme 2026 — DAP/MOP/Complex Fertilizer Subsidy for Farmers |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2010 |
| Benefit | Subsidized prices for DAP, MOP, complex fertilizers, and 23+ P&K fertilizers — farmers pay only MRP while government pays the per-nutrient subsidy directly to fertilizer companies |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Last Verified | 15 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://fert.nic.in |
Benefits of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)
Subsidized prices for DAP, MOP, complex fertilizers, and 23+ P&K fertilizers — farmers pay only MRP while government pays the per-nutrient subsidy directly to fertilizer companies
Who is Eligible for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)?
✓All farmers across India growing crops requiring P&K fertilizers
✓Subsidy is built into MRP — no separate application required
✓Aadhaar-based PoS authentication at fertilizer retailer (mandatory since 2017 under DBT for Fertilizer)
✓Farmer registration in agriculture department records (varies by state)
How to Apply for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Online?
- No separate application needed — NBS subsidy is already built into the MRP you pay.
- Buy DAP, MOP, or NPK complex fertilizer from any registered dealer at the government-fixed MRP.
- Authenticate the purchase using your Aadhaar Card at the dealer's PoS (point of sale) machine.
- PoS authentication has been mandatory since 2017 under DBT for Fertilizer.
- If your state uses Agristack, keep your farmer ID and land records linked for tracking.
- The fertilizer company claims the per-nutrient subsidy directly from the Department of Fertilizers, not you.
- Check current per-nutrient subsidy rates and policy updates on fert.nic.in.
Key Features of the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)
- Subsidy is provided based on the amount of nutrients in the fertilizer rather than on the fertilizer product itself.
- The government announces a fixed subsidy per kilogram of each primary nutrient every year:
- Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Potash (K)
- Sulphur (S)
- Fertilizer companies are generally free to determine the maximum retail price (MRP) of fertilizers covered under NBS.
- The policy encourages the use of balanced fertilization by promoting fertilizers containing multiple nutrients.
- The subsidy is paid to fertilizer manufacturers or importers, reducing the price paid by farmers
Limitations
- Urea remaining outside the NBS scheme has led to its excessive use because it is relatively cheaper.
- Price fluctuations of P&K fertilizers can affect farmers when global raw material prices rise.
Exam Tip (UPSC/State PSC):
NBS = Subsidy based on nutrient content (N, P, K, S); applies to P&K fertilizers; urea is excluded.