Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme
26-08-2023
01:05 PM
1 min read
Overview:
Recently, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has recommended the Centre to bring urea under the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) regime to address the problem of imbalanced use of nutrients.
About Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme:
- It is being implemented in 2010 by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- A fixed amount of subsidy decided on annual basis, is provided on each grade of subsidized Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers depending on its Nutrient Content.
- In case of phosphate (P) and potassic (K)fertilisers, subsidy is fixed under this scheme 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 of the scheme
- 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.
Q1) What is subsidy?
A subsidy is a financial assistance or support provided by the government or an organization to individuals, businesses, or sectors to promote certain activities, achieve specific objectives, or reduce the cost of goods or services.
Source: CACP recommends Centre to bring urea under NBS regime to check overuse