Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in Fertilisers
India introduced DBT in fertilisers in 2018, replacing the previous system of subsidies paid directly to fertiliser companies. Under DBT, the subsidy is paid to fertiliser companies only after Point of Sale (PoS) machines at retail outlets confirm actual sales to farmers. Each fertiliser bag carries a QR code linked to the iFMS; the PoS machine captures the transaction and triggers subsidy release to the manufacturer.
- Subsidy mechanism: Government pays company after farmer-level sale is recorded via PoS
- Every fertiliser bag is tagged with a QR code for traceability
- PoS machines are mandatory at all retail fertiliser outlets
- DBT in fertilisers does NOT yet transfer money to the farmer's bank account — the subsidy goes to the company; what changes is the accountability mechanism
- India's annual fertiliser subsidy bill: approximately ₹1.5–2 lakh crore (varies with global prices)
● Tracked since March 14, 2026 · last seen June 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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