NEW DELHI: India proposes to directly transfer fertiliser subsidy to accounts of millions of farmers as the Narendra Modi government looks to improve efficiency of delivery systems and ensure benefits reach those targetted.A plan to directly transfer subsidy of phosphorous and potassium fertilisers on a pilot basis in 20 districts from next year has been discussed at the highest political level.The proposal is included in a package for agricultural sector that is expected to include measures to strengthen farm-to-fork linkages and strengthen post harvest facilities.The measure could be announced in the budget as part of the plan for farmers and steps for subsidy rationalisation. The government budgeted spending of Rs 22,500 crore on these fertilisers in FY16. Total fertiliser subsidy, bulk of which goes to urea, is pegged at Rs 73,000 crore.The government is expected to make use of the Jan-Dhan Yojana platform, which was started for easy and universal access to financial services , and its proposed initiative to recognise arrangements between cultivators and owners to transfer these benefits. “Going forward, DBT will be mainstay of the subsidy plan.A plan for fertiliser is under discussion,” said a government official. The government has already announced DBT plans for kerosene and next in line are fertiliser and food.In April 2010, government had decontrolled phosphatic and potassic fertilisers, allowing manufacturers to fix their maximum retail price and get a fixed subsidy. This benefit could instead be directly provided to the farmer.The subsidy at present is Rs 12,350 a tonne for phosphates and Rs 9,300 a tonne for potash. However, there is a growing view within the government that direct transfer of benefits to farmers would allow for sustainable and measured use of chemical fertilisers. The government is also looking at freeing up urea imports and promoting organic fertilisers.It proposed using the rural job guarantee scheme to help create compost pits for promoting sustainable, need-based and affordable fertiliser consumption.Initiatives for farmer producer organisations and enabling them to connect directly with food parks and cold chains are expected to figure in the budget. Steps to boost postharvest facilities in the rural hinterland are also being considered to bring down the loss of produce, which can be as high as 20%.