Why in News?
- Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates has been confirmed for various nutrients i.e. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P),Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) for Rabi Season 2022-23 and for Kharif Season, 2023 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme:
- The Subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme under the Department of Fertilizers since 2010.
- Subsidy is fixed by an inter-ministerial committee taking into account the benchmark international prices of finished fertilisers as well as raw materials.
- The subsidy is given to registered to P & K fertiliser manufacturers/importers which provides these fertilisers at subsidised rates to farmers.
- Benefits:
- It helps farmers in ensuring availability of essential nutrients at subsidized prices.
- It rationalizes the subsidy on P&K fertilizers, ensuring effective and efficient utilization of government resources.