In India, the government provides substantial subsidies to make fertilizers more affordable for farmers, thereby promoting agricultural productivity. These subsidies are primarily managed at the national level, with specific programs and initiatives implemented in Tamil Nadu to support local farmers.
National Fertilizer Subsidy Framework:
The Government of India offers subsidies on various fertilizers, including urea and complex fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). This subsidy covers the difference between the cost of production/import and the price at which fertilizers are sold to farmers, ensuring affordability. The subsidy is disbursed through a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, where 100% of the subsidy on various fertilizers is released to the fertilizer companies upon confirmation of sales to farmers through Point of Sale (PoS) devices.
State-Level Initiatives in Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu has introduced several programs to promote sustainable agriculture and balanced fertilizer use:
- Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kappom Scheme: Launched in the 2024-25 agriculture budget, this flagship program aims to preserve soil fertility by promoting the use of green manure. An initial allocation of ₹20 crore has been earmarked for distributing green manure seeds to cover 2 lakh acres, benefiting 2 lakh farmers.
- Vermicompost Production Support: To enhance soil fertility, the state assists in vermicompost production. In the 2024-25 budget, ₹6 crore has been allocated to supply 10,000 farmers with vermicompost beds, and an additional ₹5 crore for setting up permanent vermicompost pits.
- Soil Health Cards and Tamil Mannvalam Portal: Tamil Nadu has developed the Tamil Mannvalam portal to facilitate farmers’ access to crucial information and enable them to download Soil Health Cards. These cards provide tailored, crop-specific fertilizer recommendations, promoting judicious fertilizer use.
- Liquid Bio-Fertilizers Promotion: Recognizing the benefits of bio-fertilizers, the state has allocated ₹7.5 crore for distributing 5 lakh liters of liquid bio-fertilizers to cover 10 lakh acres, benefiting 2 lakh farmers.
Accessing Subsidies:
Farmers in Tamil Nadu can access these subsidies and support programs through various platforms:
- Agri Online E-Sevai Portal: This portal provides information on fertilizer availability, soil health cards, and other agricultural services.
- TANFED (Tamil Nadu Co-operative Marketing Federation Limited): TANFED plays a significant role in distributing fertilizers through cooperative societies, ensuring that farmers receive subsidized fertilizers efficiently.
Recent Developments:
In 2023, a mandatory ‘caste category’ entry was introduced in Point of Sale (PoS) machines in fertilizer shops for availing fertilizer subsidies, which caused concern among farmers in Tamil Nadu. The requirement mandated recording caste details of buyers/farmers under the entry ‘sale to farmer’ in the PoS for getting Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The combination of national subsidies and state-specific initiatives in Tamil Nadu aims to make fertilizers more affordable and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers are encouraged to utilize these resources and adhere to recommended practices to enhance productivity and maintain soil health.
