State Minister Highlights Surge in Fertiliser Availability and Subsidy Measures

New Delhi – On Tuesday, the government revealed that a total of 484,663 raids were conducted in 2025 to tackle the illegal trade, hoarding and diversion of inferior fertiliser. The actions resulted in 17,392 show‑cause notices, the suspension or cancellation of 6,941 licences and the filing of 847 FIRs.

Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, emphasized that the crackdown is part of a larger strategy to secure a steady, affordable supply of fertilisers for Indian farmers.

According to official statistics, the fiscal year 2025‑26 saw an excess of urea, DAP, MOP and NPK stock relative to demand. Urea availability stood at 4.5079 million tonnes against a requirement of 3.81 million tonnes, while DAP availability reached 1.2172 million tonnes for an estimated need of 1.1 million tonnes.

The Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, together with the Fertiliser Department and state authorities, conducts monthly and state‑wise requirement assessments and allocates supplies through a planned distribution mechanism. All subsidised fertiliser movements are tracked via the Integrated Fertiliser Management System (IFMS).

To balance domestic production with market demand, the government finalises import plans early and coordinates with manufacturers and importers for punctual deliveries. Freight priority for fertiliser consignments is arranged in collaboration with the Ministry of Railways, while state governments monitor distribution at the district level.

Through the Urea Subsidy Scheme and Nutrient‑Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme, fertilisers stay affordable. The urea subsidy caps the maximum retail price of a 45 kg bag at ₹242, with manufacturers or importers receiving a subsidy to bridge the price gap. For Kharif 2026, DAP is priced at ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag, complemented by an additional ₹3,500 per metric tonne for both imported and domestic DAP and TSP under the NBS.

The ministry also highlighted steps taken to ensure the availability of safe and effective pesticides, including registration by a committee formed under the Pesticides Act, 1968 and routine sampling by pesticide inspectors from central and state agencies.