Current Context: The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers, chaired by MP Kirti Azad, raised concerns over the reduced budget for fertiliser subsidies, affecting farmers and the agricultural sector.

Key Highlights

• Budget Reduction: Subsidy budgets for the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) and Urea schemes cut by 7.38%, risking effective implementation.
• Nano Fertilisers: Nano urea and nano DAP show promise in improving crop yields; committee recommends boosting production and awareness among farmers.
• NBS Regime: Promotes balanced fertilisation but faces challenges like high subsidy costs, black marketing, and regional imbalances.
• Raw Material Supply: of mining lease agreements for raw materials hampers domestic fertiliser production; urges government intervention.
• Fund Utilisation: 20% of funds for phosphorus and potassium fertilisers went unutilised in FY 2024-25; recommends better planning.