The central government has recently approved the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S) for the upcoming Kharif Season in 2023. This move, proposed by the Department of Fertilisers, aims to provide affordable fertilizers to farmers and optimize the utilization of government resources. The subsidy rates have been revised, and a substantial budget has been allocated for the kharif season.
Allocation of Subsidy Budget:
The central government plans to spend a total of Rs 1.08 lakh crore on fertilizer subsidies during the kharif season. Out of this, Rs 70,000 crore will be allocated for urea subsidy, and Rs 38,000 crore will be allocated for diammonium phosphate (DAP) subsidy. These subsidies will ensure that farmers have access to essential fertilizers at reasonable prices, promoting agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Subsidy Rates for Nutrients:
To support farmers during the Kharif Season, the government has fixed the subsidy rates for different nutrients. The rates are as follows:
- Nitrogen (N): Rs 76 per kg
- Phosphorus (P): Rs 41 per kg
- Potash (K): Rs 15 per kg
- Sulphur (S): Rs 2.8 per kg
Benefits of the Decision:
- Availability of Subsidized Fertilizers: The approval of the Nutrient Based Subsidy ensures the availability of DAP and other P&K (Phosphorus and Potash) fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices. These fertilizers are crucial for enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. By providing them at affordable rates, the government enables farmers to access the necessary resources for successful cultivation during the Kharif Season.
- Rationalization of Subsidies: The decision to rationalize the subsidy on P&K fertilizers is a significant step towards utilizing government resources effectively and efficiently. By revising the subsidy rates, the government can allocate funds proportionately to the nutrients required by crops. This approach promotes balanced fertilizer usage and reduces the overuse of certain nutrients, which can lead to environmental and agricultural imbalances.
Impact on Farmers and Agriculture:
The implementation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy for the 2023 Kharif Season is expected to have several positive impacts on farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole. These include:
- Cost Reduction: The subsidized rates for nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur fertilizers will reduce the financial burden on farmers. They can now procure these essential inputs at lower prices, allowing them to save costs and invest in other agricultural activities.
- Enhanced Crop Yield: The availability of subsidized fertilizers ensures that farmers can adequately nourish their crops, resulting in improved yield and quality. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur are vital nutrients required for optimal plant growth, and their accessibility at reasonable prices will contribute to enhanced agricultural productivity.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The rationalization of subsidies encourages farmers to use fertilizers judiciously and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. By providing incentives for balanced nutrient application, the government aims to minimize nutrient imbalances in the soil and reduce the environmental impact associated with excessive fertilizer use.
Important Points:
- 💰 Allocation of subsidy budget: Rs 1.08 lakh crore for fertilizer subsidies during kharif season, with Rs 70,000 crore for urea and Rs 38,000 crore for DAP.
- 🌾 Subsidy rates for nutrients: Rs 76 per kg for Nitrogen (N), Rs 41 per kg for Phosphorus (P), Rs 15 per kg for Potash (K), and Rs 2.8 per kg for Sulphur (S).
- 🌱 Availability of subsidized fertilizers: Ensuring affordable prices for diammonium phosphate (DAP) and other P&K fertilizers during the kharif season.
- 🎯 Rationalization of subsidies: Effective and efficient utilization of government resources by revising subsidy rates for P&K fertilizers.
- 💲 Cost reduction for farmers: Access to subsidized fertilizers reduces financial burden, allowing farmers to save costs and invest in other agricultural activities.
- 🌾 Enhanced crop yield: Subsidized fertilizers provide essential nutrients for improved crop growth, resulting in higher productivity and quality.
- ♻️ Sustainable agriculture: Rationalization of subsidies encourages balanced nutrient application, minimizing soil imbalances and reducing environmental impact.
- 🌾 Promotion of balanced fertilizer usage: Rationalized subsidies discourage overuse of certain nutrients, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- 🌾 Support for farmers: Government’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring affordable and efficient resource allocation in agriculture.
Why In News
In a significant move, the Central government has granted approval for the implementation of the Nutrient Based Subsidy scheme for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and Sulphur (S) during the upcoming 2023 kharif season. This decision aims to support farmers by providing subsidies on essential nutrients, ensuring balanced fertilization practices, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for higher crop yields and soil health.
MCQs about Nutrient Based Subsidy
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What is the primary objective of the Nutrient Based Subsidy for the 2023 Kharif Season?
A. To increase the price of fertilizers for farmers.
B. To reduce the availability of DAP and other P&K fertilizers.
C. To ensure affordable fertilizers for farmers during the Kharif Season.
D. To eliminate the subsidy on nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and sulphur.
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Which nutrient’s subsidy rate has been fixed at Rs 41 per kg for the 2023 Kharif Season?
A. Nitrogen (N)
B. Phosphorus (P)
C. Potash (K)
D. Sulphur (S)
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What is one of the benefits of rationalizing the subsidy on P&K fertilizers?
A. Increased government expenditure on fertilizers.
B. Promotion of imbalanced nutrient application in agriculture.
C. Efficient utilization of government resources.
D. Reduction in the availability of DAP and other fertilizers.
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How does the Nutrient Based Subsidy support sustainable agriculture?
A. By increasing the price of fertilizers for farmers.
B. By encouraging excessive fertilizer use.
C. By reducing the availability of essential nutrients.
D. By promoting balanced nutrient application and minimizing environmental impact.
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