Key facts
From KisanPe's verified data. Confirm prices and doses with the seller, label or official source before acting.
- Suitable crops
- Paddy, Wheat, Sugarcane, Cotton
- Ideal crop stage
- Basal sowing and mid-stage earthing-up / flowering
- Common brands
- IPL (Indian Potash Limited), IFFCO, Coromandel, RCF Trombay
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) and Price Dynamics
India imports almost 100% of its agricultural potash requirements. Under the NBS policy administered by the Department of Fertilizers, the central government fixes a per-kilogram subsidy on potassium (K), allowing fertilizer companies to determine the retail price for farmers.
Growers should purchase subsidized fertilizers exclusively through Point of Sale (POS) machines using Aadhaar authentication to ensure official retail rates.
- Muriate of Potash (MOP 0-0-60): The primary potassium source for field crops like paddy, wheat, maize, and sugarcane; contains 60% K2O.
- Sulphate of Potash (SOP 0-0-50): A premium chloride-free grade containing 50% K2O and 17.5% Sulphur, preferred for chloride-sensitive horticultural crops.
- Official price verification: Retail rates are printed on every 50 kg bag and reflected on the national mobile Fertilizer Management System (mFMS).
- Subsidized distribution: Sold via authorized primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) and licensed retail agro-dealers.
Agronomic Benefits and Balanced Application
Potassium regulates plant stomatal conductance, enzyme activation, and carbohydrate movement from vegetative leaves to harvestable grains and fruits.
Aligning potash application with Soil Health Card recommendations prevents luxury consumption and lowers cultivation expenses.
- Basal application: Apply MOP at the time of final land preparation or sowing to ensure root zone availability throughout early growth.
- Split doses: In sandy soils prone to leaching, split potash application between basal and top-dressing phases.
- Avoid over-application: Excessive potash can induce secondary magnesium or calcium deficiencies in certain soil types.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Department of Fertilizers ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why does the price of a 50 kg potash bag vary across seasons?
Because India imports all raw potash, retail prices fluctuate based on global benchmark import costs and semi-annual government NBS subsidy revisions.
How can a farmer verify the maximum retail price of potash fertilizer?
Check the printed MRP on the bag, request a digital POS receipt, or verify rates on the Department of Fertilizers portal (fert.nic.in).
What is the key difference between MOP and SOP potash fertilizers?
MOP contains chloride and 60% K2O for general field crops, while SOP is chloride-free with 50% K2O and 17.5% Sulphur, ideal for sensitive horticulture.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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