BS EDIT: Digital Intervention

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 26, 2026

Reforming Subsidies

Linking urea sales to digital farmer IDs aims to curb leakages and improve fertiliser subsidy efficiency

A Rising Fiscal Burden

Fertiliser subsidies are set to hit ₹1.9 trillion in 2025-26, driven by post-2020 cost escalation

Distorted Nutrient Use

Cheap urea has skewed fertiliser use, harming soil health and limiting productivity gains

Import Dependence Risk

Fertiliser imports surged to nearly $18 billion, exposing India to global price volatility

Digital Gaps Persist

Uneven land records and digital access risk excluding marginal and tenant farmers

Designing For Balance

Phased rollout and inclusion safeguards can align subsidy control with soil revival and productivity