India’s Fertilizer Policy Under Review: Towards Transparency, Balance, and Sustainable Soil Health

India’s fertilizer ecosystem is at a turning point. The government has initiated reforms to address inefficiencies, rising costs, and soil degradation, signaling a shift toward sustainability and transparency.

Key Highlights

• Digital Transformation: A fully digitalized subsidy system worth nearly ₹2 lakh crore has been rolled out to improve transparency and governance.
• Rising Costs: Fertilizer subsidy requirements for Rabi 2025-26 have risen by ₹736 crore, reflecting global price volatility.
• Policy Review: A Chintan Shivir in New Delhi emphasized balanced fertilizer use, farmer-centric distribution, and soil health improvement.
• Strategic Focus: Ministers and industry leaders stressed the need for end-to-end reforms to align with sustainable agricultural practices.

India’s fertilizer policy, long criticized for inefficiency and distortion, is finally being reimagined. The combination of digital governance, higher nutrient support, and sustainability-driven frameworks could mark a decisive shift toward a more resilient agricultural future.

Sources: Ziraat Times, The Hindu BusinessLine, RuralVoice