Fertilizer Subsidy: Farmers May Get Rs 5,000 Per Bag

A fertilizer subsidy of up to Rs 5,000 per bag is under consideration as provincial governments weigh financial support for farmers ahead of the Rabi season.

Punjab is considering a Rs 3,000 fertilizer subsidy per bag, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already decided to offer Rs 5,000 through an in-kind support programme. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain shared the details with a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

Fertilizer subsidy: the proposals

The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research reviewed the availability of DAP fertilizer. It welcomed the recent import of 50,000 tons for the 2026-27 Rabi season.

The committee called for a review of regulatory duties and General Sales Tax (GST) on imports to bring down prices. Any cut in duties would directly lower the market price, adding to the relief from the fertilizer subsidy itself.

The committee also welcomed record wheat sowing for the 2026-27 Rabi season and the announcement of a support price of Rs 4,500 per 40 kilograms. Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security and Research informed lawmakers that rice production had increased by eight percent.

Committee chairman Syed Hussain Tariq urged the ministry to ensure farmers received necessary support. He called for a standardized fertilizer subsidy system across provinces and uniform fertilizer prices nationwide.

Other decisions by the committee

The committee reviewed a proposed regulatory duty exemption for imported grandparent and parent stock of chicks, following ambiguity caused by duplicate entries in the relevant SRO. The Tariff Policy Board unanimously recommended referring the matter to the Federal Cabinet.

The committee approved the Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with changes and recommended its passage by the National Assembly.

Frequently asked questions

How much fertilizer subsidy may farmers get? Provinces are weighing a fertilizer subsidy of up to Rs 5,000 per bag. Punjab is considering Rs 3,000 per bag, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has already approved Rs 5,000 through an in-kind support programme.

Who announced the fertilizer subsidy? Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research.

Is DAP fertilizer available for the Rabi season? The committee welcomed the import of 50,000 tons of DAP for the 2026-27 Rabi season and pressed for lower import duties and taxes.

What is the wheat support price? Rs 4,500 per 40 kilograms, alongside record wheat sowing for the 2026-27 Rabi season.

Will fertilizer prices be uniform across provinces? The committee chairman has urged a standardized subsidy system across provinces and uniform fertilizer prices nationwide.