NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 -- The Centre has approved a 64% year-on-year increase in fertilizer subsidies for the ongoing rabi season to Rs.62,370 crore, as it seeks to keep farm input costs affordable amid volatile global prices. The move, however, could put pressure on the Centre's fertilizer budget for fiscal year 2027 (FY27), potentially requiring additional funds.

The increase comes after rice acreage declined 3.46% year-on-year during the 2026 kharif season and ahead of the next sowing cycle, when wheat, pulses and oilseeds are the key crops.

Announcing the decisions taken at Wednesday's Union Cabinet meeting, information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India had fertilizer stocks of about 23.5 million tonnes, against a re...