Why is Neem Coated Urea sold at ₹266.50 while international costs exceed ₹2,400?

Urea is statutorily price-controlled under the Essential Commodities Act. While the true production/import cost of a 45 kg bag of urea hovers between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500, the Government fixes the statutory MRP at ₹242 + neem coating charges (~₹266.50). The Government absorbs the remaining ₹2,150+ difference by paying manufacturers directly through biometric Point of Sale (PoS) subsidy disbursement.

How does split application of nitrogen improve crop yields?

Plants cannot absorb 100% of nitrogen if applied all at once as a heavy basal broadcast; 50% to 70% gets washed away through leaching into groundwater or escapes into the air as ammonia gas. Splitting nitrogen into 3 doses—basal at sowing, tillering at 25-30 days, and panicle initiation at 45-55 days—synchronizes nitrogen availability with the plant's peak metabolic demand.

What are the benefits of 100% water-soluble fertilizers in drip fertigation?

Conventional granular fertilizers contain insoluble carrier materials (clay, silica) that quickly choke drip drippers and micro-tubes. 100% water-soluble fertilizers (such as 19:19:19, 0:52:34, 13:0:45, and Calcium Nitrate) dissolve completely without residue, delivering nutrients directly to the active feeder root zone with over 90% uptake efficiency.

Why is Neem Coated Urea sold at ₹266.50 while international costs exceed ₹2,400?

Urea is statutorily price-controlled under the Essential Commodities Act. While the true production/import cost of a 45 kg bag of urea hovers between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500, the Government fixes the statutory MRP at ₹242 + neem coating charges (~₹266.50). The Government absorbs the remaining ₹2,150+ difference by paying manufacturers directly through biometric Point of Sale (PoS) subsidy disbursement.

How does split application of nitrogen improve crop yields?

Plants cannot absorb 100% of nitrogen if applied all at once as a heavy basal broadcast; 50% to 70% gets washed away through leaching into groundwater or escapes into the air as ammonia gas. Splitting nitrogen into 3 doses—basal at sowing, tillering at 25-30 days, and panicle initiation at 45-55 days—synchronizes nitrogen availability with the plant's peak metabolic demand.

What are the benefits of 100% water-soluble fertilizers in drip fertigation?

Conventional granular fertilizers contain insoluble carrier materials (clay, silica) that quickly choke drip drippers and micro-tubes. 100% water-soluble fertilizers (such as 19:19:19, 0:52:34, 13:0:45, and Calcium Nitrate) dissolve completely without residue, delivering nutrients directly to the active feeder root zone with over 90% uptake efficiency.

Why is Neem Coated Urea sold at ₹266.50 while international costs exceed ₹2,400?

Urea is statutorily price-controlled under the Essential Commodities Act. While the true production/import cost of a 45 kg bag of urea hovers between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500, the Government fixes the statutory MRP at ₹242 + neem coating charges (~₹266.50). The Government absorbs the remaining ₹2,150+ difference by paying manufacturers directly through biometric Point of Sale (PoS) subsidy disbursement.

How does split application of nitrogen improve crop yields?

Plants cannot absorb 100% of nitrogen if applied all at once as a heavy basal broadcast; 50% to 70% gets washed away through leaching into groundwater or escapes into the air as ammonia gas. Splitting nitrogen into 3 doses—basal at sowing, tillering at 25-30 days, and panicle initiation at 45-55 days—synchronizes nitrogen availability with the plant's peak metabolic demand.

What are the benefits of 100% water-soluble fertilizers in drip fertigation?

Conventional granular fertilizers contain insoluble carrier materials (clay, silica) that quickly choke drip drippers and micro-tubes. 100% water-soluble fertilizers (such as 19:19:19, 0:52:34, 13:0:45, and Calcium Nitrate) dissolve completely without residue, delivering nutrients directly to the active feeder root zone with over 90% uptake efficiency.

Department of Fertilizers (GoI) & ICRI Parity

National Crop Nutrition, Fertilizer & NBS Subsidy Hub

Scientific N-P-K nutrient dosage calculators, official statutory Government MRP verification, central NBS subsidy savings, and complete guide across 20+ fertilizer formulations and 10 national cooperative manufacturers.

Urea Statutory MRP

₹266.50

per 45kg bag (GoI Fixed)

DAP Central Subsidy

₹2,550+

absorbed by GoI per bag

Formulations

20 Grades

bulk, WSF & micronutrients

Top Manufacturers

10 Brands

IFFCO, Coromandel, KRIBHCO

Crop Dosage Calculator NBS Subsidy Breakdown Browse 20 Formulations

AI Direct Answer • 2026 Verified Farmer Advisory

Verified: September 2026

Q:What are official fertilizer prices, dosage guidelines, and government NBS subsidy rates in India?

Under the Essential Commodities Act and Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) framework, the Government of India strictly controls retail fertilizer prices. Neem Coated Urea is statutorily fixed at ₹266.50 per 45 kg bag (subsidized from an international cost exceeding ₹2,400), while DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate 18-46-0) retails at approximately ₹1,350 per 50 kg bag. The Central Government absorbs input cost volatility by reimbursing manufacturers per kilogram of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S) based on seasonal NBS cabinet approvals.

Key Advisory Takeaways

Neem Coated Urea statutorily capped at ₹266.50 per 45 kg bag across all licensed retail outlets in India.
DAP 50 kg bag benchmark price held at ₹1,350 through central NBS subsidy absorption.
Split application rule: Apply nitrogen in 3 calibrated splits (basal, tillering, panicle initiation) to prevent 50%+ leaching loss.
Chemical incompatibility: Never mix DAP and Zinc Sulphate directly to avoid insoluble Zinc Phosphate precipitation.

UREA 45KG MRP₹266.50 Statutory

DAP 50KG MRP₹1,350 Benchmark

SUBSIDY SCHEMENBS Cabinet Rates

REGULATORY BODYDept of Fertilizers

Official DBT Source: Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers

Verify on Official Portal

Agronomy Precision Engine

Smart Crop Fertilizer & NPK Dosage Calculator

Calculate statutory MRP bags, split application timings, and Government NBS subsidy contribution.

Govt Subsidy Absorbed

₹17,300

(75% of true market value)

1. Select Your Crop (फसल चुनें)

Benchmark Yield: 20-24 Quintals/Acre

2. Land Acreage (खेत का रकबा)2 Acres

0.5 Acre10 Acres25 Acres

3. Fertilization Strategy (पद्धति)

Seasonal Application Schedule & Bag Requirements (2 Acres)

Phase 1: Basal (बुवाई के समय)

Deep placement with seed drill

DAP (18:46:0)2 Bags (50kg)

Neem Urea (46% N)1 Bags (45kg)

MOP Potash (60% K)1 Bags (50kg)

Phase 2: 1st Top Dressing

Active tillering / 21-30 DAS

Neem Coated Urea2 Bags (45kg)

Apply when soil has adequate moisture; avoid waterlogged or scorching dry soil.

Phase 3: 2nd Top Dressing

Panicle / Jointing / 45-55 DAS

Neem Coated Urea2 Bags (45kg)

Stop nitrogen application once flowering initiates to avoid flower/pod drop.

Farmer Out-of-Pocket

₹5,682.5

Total cost at official Government MRP rates

Government of India NBS Subsidy

₹17,300

Reimbursed directly to fertilizer manufacturers

True International Market Value

₹22,982.5

You save 75% via central subsidies

Micronutrient & Soil Health Advisory

Apply Zinc Sulphate 33% @ 5 kg/acre with basal fertilizers. Spray Boron 20% @ 250g/acre at booting stage to ensure 100% grain filling without chaffy ears.

Water Soluble Fertigation & Foliar Schedule

Foliar spray of Potassium Nitrate (NPK 13:0:45) @ 1.5 kg/acre during milk to dough stage protects against terminal heat stress.

Central Cabinet DBT Policy

NBS Fertilizer Subsidy & True Price Explorer

Official Government of India statutory MRP vs international manufacturing cost across subsidized fertilizer grades.

N: ₹47.02/kgP: ₹28.72/kgK: ₹23.83/kgS: ₹1.89/kg

DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate 18:46:0)

Standard Packaging: 50 kg Bag | Grade: 18:46:0

Government Share

65% Subsidized

Farmer Pays (Statutory MRP): ₹1350GoI Subsidy: ₹2550

35% MRP

65% Central Subsidy

Statutory Farmer MRP

₹1,350

Max legal rate at licensed retailer

Direct GoI Subsidy Contribution

₹2,550

Reimbursed directly on PoS biometric sale

True Unsubsidized Commercial Cost

₹3,900

Global import / production parity value

Aadhaar PoS Mandate

Fertilizer subsidy is released only after biometric Aadhaar fingerprint verification on the Point of Sale (PoS) machine at the local PACS or dealer counter.

Zero Overcharging (EC Act)

Selling subsidized fertilizers above the statutory printed MRP is a criminal violation under the Essential Commodities Act (ECA) 1955 and Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).

Toll-Free Grievance Desk

Report black-marketing, unauthorized bundling of unwanted products, or refusal to sell at MRP to the National Fertilizer Helpline at 1800 180 1551.

Global Agronomy Best Practice

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship: Balanced Soil Fertilization

Applying the right fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place maximises crop yields while preserving long-term soil organic carbon.

Right Source

Match fertilizer form (Granular, Soluble, Chelated) to crop nutrient requirements and soil pH. Use SSP for sulphur-hungry oilseeds and SOP for chloride-sensitive crops.

Right Rate

Base doses on periodic Soil Health Card recommendations. Avoid excessive Nitrogen application which causes soft vegetative tissue, lodging, and sap-sucking pest explosions.

Right Time

Synchronize application with plant growth surges. Apply Phosphate basal at root zone, split Nitrogen in 2–3 vegetative doses, and switch to Potash & Boron during flowering.

Right Place

Place immobile nutrients (Phosphate) 5 cm deep near seeds where roots can intercept them. Use foliar sprays for micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe) to bypass soil fixation.

Nutrient & Brand Directory

Fertilizer Grades, Micronutrients & Top Manufacturers

Browse verified FCO grades, label doses per acre, Government MRP, and national cooperative brands.

Primary Macronutrient46:0:0

Neem Coated Urea (46% Nitrogen)

Packing: 45 kg Bag

Statutory MRP:₹266.5

Central Subsidy:₹2150 (89%)

Target Crops:

PaddyWheatSugarcaneCotton+2 more

Dose: 1.5 to 2.5 Bags (65 to 110 kg)/Acre depending on crop and irrigation

Form: GranularView Details & Dose →

Nanotechnology FertilizerNano Nitrogen (4% w/v)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹140) / 25 kg Bag (₹3,200)

Statutory MRP:₹140

Target Crops:

TomatoChilliCapsicumPaddy+4 more

Dose: Foliar: 5g per litre of water (1 kg/acre in 200L water); Drip: 3 to 5 kg/acre/week

Form: Water Soluble PowderView Details & Dose →

Bloom & Flower Initiation Specialist0:52:34 (Nitrogen-Free)

NPK 0:52:34 (MKP - Monopotassium Phosphate)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹220) / 25 kg Bag (₹4,800)

Statutory MRP:₹220

Target Crops:

CottonSoybeanChilliTomato+4 more

Dose: Foliar: 5g/L water (1 to 1.5 kg/acre); Drip: 3 to 5 kg/acre during flowering

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Fruit Bulking & Grain Filling Booster13:0:45

NPK 13:0:45 (Potassium Nitrate / Multi-K)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹210) / 25 kg Bag (₹4,600)

Statutory MRP:₹210

Target Crops:

WheatCottonPotatoBanana+4 more

Dose: Foliar: 7-10g/L water (1.5 to 2 kg/acre); Drip: 4 to 6 kg/acre during bulking

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Chloride-Free Premium Potash0:0:50 + 17.5% S (Chloride-Free)

NPK 0:0:50 (SOP - Sulphate of Potash)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹190) / 25 kg Bag (₹4,200)

Statutory MRP:₹190

Target Crops:

GrapesPomegranatePotatoTobacco+3 more

Dose: Foliar: 5-7g/L water (1 to 1.5 kg/acre); Drip: 3 to 5 kg/acre before harvest

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Cell Wall Strength & Quality15.5:0:0 + 18.8% Ca

Calcium Nitrate (15.5% N + 18.8% Ca)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹85) / 25 kg Bag (₹1,750)

Statutory MRP:₹85

Target Crops:

TomatoChilliApplePomegranate+3 more

Dose: Drip: 10 to 15 kg/acre in split doses; Foliar: 3 to 5g/L water

Form: GranularView Details & Dose →

Chelated MicronutrientZn 12% Chelated (EDTA)

Chelated Zinc (Zn-EDTA 12%)

Packing: 500g Pouch (₹450) / 1 kg Pouch (₹850)

Statutory MRP:₹450

Target Crops:

PaddyWheatMaizeCotton+3 more

Dose: Foliar: 1 to 1.5g per litre of water (200-250g per acre in 150-200L water)

Form: Water Soluble PowderView Details & Dose →

Reproductive & Pollination MicronutrientBoron 20% (Water Soluble)

Boron 20% (Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate)

Packing: 500g Pouch (₹320) / 1 kg (₹600)

Statutory MRP:₹320

Target Crops:

CottonPaddyWheatMustard+4 more

Dose: Foliar: 1g to 1.5g per litre of water (200g/acre in 150-200L water)

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Chlorophyll Synthesis MicronutrientFe 19% (Iron Green Vitriol)

Ferrous Sulphate (Fe 19% + 10.5% S)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹60) / 25 kg Bag (₹900)

Statutory MRP:₹60

Target Crops:

SugarcaneGroundnutPaddy NurseryCitrus+2 more

Dose: Foliar: 5g Ferrous Sulphate + 2g Citric Acid per litre of water; Soil: 10 kg/acre

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Secondary Nutrient Duo9.6% Mg + 12% S

Magnesium Sulphate (Epsom Salt - 9.6% Mg + 12% S)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹55) / 25 kg Bag (₹850)

Statutory MRP:₹55

Target Crops:

Bt CottonTomatoBananaChilli+3 more

Dose: Foliar: 5g to 10g/L water (1 to 2 kg/acre); Soil: 20 to 25 kg/acre

Form: Crystalline PowderView Details & Dose →

Organic Soil & Root Bio-StimulantHumic 65% + Fulvic 15% + K2O 10%

Humic Acid 98% (Potassium Humate Shiny Flakes)

Packing: 1 kg Pouch (₹380) / 500g (₹210)

Statutory MRP:₹380

Target Crops:

All Crops: Wheat, Paddy, Cotton, Sugarcane, Vegetables, Horticulture

Dose: Drip/Soil: 500g to 1 kg/acre; Foliar: 1.5 to 2g per litre of water

Form: FlakesView Details & Dose →

Abiotic Stress & Plant Bio-StimulantBio-Active Phytohormones + Amino Acids

Seaweed Extract (Ascophyllum Nodosum)

Packing: 1 Litre Bottle (₹420) / 500 ml (₹240)

Statutory MRP:₹420

Target Crops:

CottonSoybeanChilliTomato+3 more

Dose: Foliar: 2 to 2.5 ml per litre of water (400-500 ml per acre in 200L water)

Form: LiquidView Details & Dose →

Microbial Bio-Fertilizer1x10^8 CFU/ml Bacterial Consortium

Consortium Bio-NPK Liquid (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB)

Packing: 1 Litre Bottle (₹250)

Statutory MRP:₹250

Target Crops:

HQ: Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Market Share: 6.2%

A joint venture of Adventz Group and OCP Morocco, Paradeep Phosphates is Eastern India’s primary champion in phosphatic fertilizers under the "Paras" brand.

Flagship Products:

Paras DAP, Paras NPK 10:26:26 & 20:20:0:13, Paras Single Super Phosphate

Network: 10,000+View Brand Profile →

KisanPe Farmer Super App

Get Customized Crop Spray & Nutrition Charts on Your Phone

Input your sowing date, soil type, and acreage to receive stage-by-stage fertilizer alerts, spray reminders, and verified retailer prices near your village.

AI Knowledge & Prompt Insights

Crop Nutrition & Fertilizers: Top Farmer AI Search Prompts

Direct, verified answers to the most common queries Indian farmers ask AI engines regarding fertilizer compatibility, NBS subsidies, and split dosages.

QWhy should farmers never mix DAP and Zinc Sulphate together in the same tank or furrow?

DAP contains high concentrations of water-soluble phosphate (46% P2O5), while Zinc Sulphate contains zinc cations (Zn2+). When mixed together in the same seed drill furrow or spray tank, they chemically react instantly to form Zinc Phosphate, an insoluble rock-like precipitate that neither the crop nor the soil microbes can absorb.

📌 Verification:ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) Advisory

QWhat are the 2026 Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates per kg for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, and Sulphur?

Under the Central NBS policy, the Government fixes per-kg subsidies: Nitrogen (N) approx ₹47/kg, Phosphorus (P) approx ₹41/kg, Potash (K) approx ₹15/kg, and Sulphur (S) approx ₹3.5/kg (reviewed per Kharif/Rabi season by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs). This ensures complex fertilizers (like 10:26:26, 12:32:16, 20:20:0:13) remain affordable.

📌 Verification:Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) NBS Notification

QIs IFFCO Nano Urea as effective as conventional 45 kg granular urea for field crops?

Yes, when applied correctly as a foliar spray. One 500 ml bottle of Nano Urea (4% N) can replace at least one 45 kg bag of conventional granular urea because nanoscale particles enter plant stomata directly with over 80% absorption efficiency (compared to 30%-50% for soil-applied granular urea). Granular urea is still recommended for basal application, while Nano Urea excels for subsequent foliar sprays at 30 and 45 days after sowing.

📌 Verification:Department of Fertilizers Field Trial Summary

QWhich fertilizer grades are best for high-yield onion, garlic, and potato cultivation?

Bulb and tuber crops have heavy Potash and Sulphur demands. The recommended combination includes 12:32:16 or 14:35:14 as a basal starter, supplemented with Single Super Phosphate (SSP) for elemental sulphur, and 100% water-soluble Potassium Schoenite or Sulphate of Potash (0:0:50 / SOP) during bulb enlargement to maximize bulb size, firmness, and storage shelf-life.

📌 Verification:Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR) Guidelines

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Crop Nutrition, Fertilizers & Subsidies

The Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme is administered by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. Under NBS, the Central Government reimburses fertilizer manufacturers a fixed annual/seasonal subsidy per kilogram of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Sulphur (S). This keeps retail prices of decontrolled fertilizers like DAP, MOP, and complex NPKs affordable for Indian farmers despite volatile global import prices.

National Crop Nutrition, Fertilizer & NBS Subsidy Hub

Smart Crop Fertilizer & NPK Dosage Calculator

Seasonal Application Schedule & Bag Requirements (2 Acres)

Micronutrient & Soil Health Advisory

Water Soluble Fertigation & Foliar Schedule

NBS Fertilizer Subsidy & True Price Explorer

DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate 18:46:0)

Aadhaar PoS Mandate

Zero Overcharging (EC Act)

Toll-Free Grievance Desk

The 4R Nutrient Stewardship: Balanced Soil Fertilization

Right Source

Right Rate

Right Time

Right Place

Fertilizer Grades, Micronutrients & Top Manufacturers

Top 10 Indian Fertilizer Manufacturers & Cooperatives

Get Customized Crop Spray & Nutrition Charts on Your Phone

Crop Nutrition & Fertilizers: Top Farmer AI Search Prompts

QWhy should farmers never mix DAP and Zinc Sulphate together in the same tank or furrow?

QWhat are the 2026 Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates per kg for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, and Sulphur?

QIs IFFCO Nano Urea as effective as conventional 45 kg granular urea for field crops?

QWhich fertilizer grades are best for high-yield onion, garlic, and potato cultivation?

Frequently Asked Questions: Crop Nutrition, Fertilizers & Subsidies

What is the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme in India?

Why is Neem Coated Urea sold at ₹266.50 while international costs exceed ₹2,400?

How does split application of nitrogen improve crop yields?

Why should farmers never mix DAP and Zinc Sulphate directly?

What are the benefits of 100% water-soluble fertilizers in drip fertigation?