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 | 13 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://fert.nic.in |
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.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 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. The scheme was launched in 2010 and is implemented by the Government of India.
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)
Advertisement
Documents Required for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)
How to Apply for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://fert.nic.in
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on fert.nic.inFrequently Asked Questions — Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS)
Common Questions About Agriculture Schemes
When is the next PM Kisan installment?+
PM Kisan instalments are released 3 times a year — April-July, August-November, and December-March. The exact date is announced by the government.
How to check PM Kisan status?+
Go to pmkisan.gov.in, click 'Beneficiary Status', enter your Aadhaar number or mobile number to check your payment status.
What crops are covered under PM Fasal Bima Yojana?+
Food crops (cereals, millets, pulses), oilseeds, and annual commercial/horticultural crops that are notified by respective state governments.
What is the premium rate for PMFBY?+
Kharif crops: 2% of sum insured; Rabi crops: 1.5%; annual commercial/horticultural crops: 5%. The rest of the premium is borne by the government.
What is the interest rate on Kisan Credit Card?+
The base interest rate is 9% p.a. The government provides a 2% interest subvention, bringing it to 7%. If you repay on time, an additional 3% prompt repayment incentive applies — making the effective rate just 4% per annum for loans up to Rs.3 lakh.
Advertisement
Related Agriculture Schemes
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana 2025
PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year direct income support to all land-holding farmer families across India in three equal instalments of ₹2,000.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana — Crop Insurance Scheme 2025
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides comprehensive financial support to farmers who suffer crop loss due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases at very low premium rates.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme 2025
Kisan Credit Card provides farmers with flexible and affordable short-term credit for cultivation expenses, post-harvest needs, and allied activities at interest rates as low as 4% per annum.
PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana 2026 — ₹3,000/Month Pension for Farmers | maandhan.in
PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme for small and marginal farmers launched in 2019. Farmers aged 18–40 contribute a small monthly amount (₹55–₹200 depending on entry age) and receive a guaranteed pension of ₹3,000/month after reaching 60 years of age. The Government of India contributes an equal matching amount to the Pension Fund.