STRENGTHENING INDIA'S FERTILISER POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

AS the world’s second-largest fertiliser consumer and with agriculture employing about 45% of the workforce, fertiliser self-reliance remains a strategic national priority.

- S SANKARASUBRAMANIAN

Government policy has focused on ensuring affordability and availability via subsidies, alongside raising manufacturing capacity. As the Budget 2026-27 around corner, fertiliser sector merits focused policy attention to bolster soil health, ensure agricultural sustainability, and advance Atma Nirbhar Bharat objectives.

In developed economies like the US, EU and Japan, agriculture policy has shifted from production-linked subsidies toward income support, risk management, crop insurance and and climate resilience. Subsidies in India are designed to ensure food security, support farmer incomes, and maintain affordability of inputs. Fertiliser subsidy remains one of the key elements, shielding farmers from price volatility and ensuring access to nutrients at affordable prices.