<h1>PM urges boosting domestic fertiliser production under Nutrient Based Subsidy policy to cut imports and protect soil health</h1> The Prime Minister urged the domestic fertiliser industry to increase production and reduce reliance on imports, highlighting the financial burden of foreign exchange outflows and soil health concerns due to indiscriminate fertiliser use. India imports significant quantities of urea and phosphatic and potassic fertilisers to meet demand, with government subsidies bridging the gap between production costs and retail prices. Urea production has increased substantially over the past decade, yet imports remain high. The government implements a Nutrient Based Subsidy policy for non-urea fertilisers, providing fixed subsidies based on nutrient content, while allowing free import under an Open General License. The fertiliser subsidy expenditure reached over Rs 1.77 lakh crore in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The call emphasizes innovation and self-reliance to ensure adequate domestic supply and reduce import dependence.