Updated: 3 October 2026
A 50 kg bag of the common 16% single super phosphate (SSP) gives 8 kg of P2O5 and at least 5.5 kg of sulphur. SSP is under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS), so companies set the price and it varies by brand and shop; there is no fixed MRP like urea and no official state-wise price.
The latest dated price is ₹480.75 per 50 kg bag of granular SSP, from Madhya Pradesh Markfed on 1 April 2024. A 2026 figure was not confirmed, so check the MRP printed on the bag. Other fertilisers are on the fertiliser price page.
Price and subsidy
| Item (50 kg bag) | Price | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Granular SSP | ₹480.75 | Markfed MP, 1 Apr 2024 |
| Powder SSP | ₹440.75 | Markfed MP, 1 Apr 2024 |
| Zincated granular SSP | ₹505.75 | Markfed MP, 1 Apr 2024 |
| Zincated powder SSP | ₹465.75 | Markfed MP, 1 Apr 2024 |
| Boronated powder SSP | ₹470.75 | Markfed MP, 1 Apr 2024 |
- NBS for Kharif 2026 (1 Apr to 30 Sep 2026, Cabinet 8 Apr 2026): N ₹47.32, P ₹52.76, K ₹2.38, S ₹3.16 per kg. SSP draws on the P and S rates. The Rabi 2026-27 rates are not yet confirmed.
What is in the bag
- Phosphorus: the Fertiliser (Control) Order lists SSP at 16% water-soluble P2O5 (powdered and granulated) and also a 14% powdered grade. KRIBHCO's page gives 14 to 14.5% as a minimum, so read the grade on your bag.
- Sulphur: at least 11% S. Moisture is at most 12% in powder and 5% in granules, and free phosphoric acid at most 4%.
- Per bag (16% grade): 50 x 16 / 100 = 8 kg P2O5 and 50 x 11 / 100 = 5.5 kg S. A 14% bag gives only 7 kg P2O5.
- Calcium: KRIBHCO says it is present and useful on acidic soils, but no percentage is set in the Order or on that page. No nitrogen or potash.
Crops, soils and when to apply
KRIBHCO calls SSP the preferred phosphate for oilseeds, because sulphur goes into edible oil, and for pulses as a starter dose. TNAU describes it as a grey, ash-like powder that keeps well and should be placed in the root zone. It is a basal fertiliser. PAU quantities per acre, for Punjab:
| Crop (PAU) | SSP per acre | P2O5 | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddy | 75 kg | 12 kg | Whole dose before puddling, only on a deficiency soil test |
| Wheat | 155 kg | 25 kg | Drill at sowing, plus 20 kg urea at sowing |
| Maize hybrids | 150 kg | 24 kg | Skip if maize follows wheat that got full phosphorus |
| Arhar | 100 kg | 16 kg | Basal |
| Soybean | 200 kg (150 kg after wheat) | 32 kg (24 kg) | Basal with 28 kg urea |
| Mustard (raya, gobhi sarson) | Prefer SSP as the P source | As per soil test | If SSP is not available, PAU adds 80 kg gypsum with DAP and urea |
Other states and soils differ. Use a Soil Health Card test and the fertiliser calculator.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the nitrogen. SSP has none. In wheat PAU gives 20 kg urea at sowing when P comes from SSP.
- Buying by bag price alone. A 14% bag gives less phosphate than a 16% bag at a similar price. Compare cost per kg of P2O5.
- Adding gypsum on top of SSP. PAU recommends gypsum where DAP was used instead of SSP on sulphur-short soils, not as an extra on SSP.
- Paying extra for zinc or boron you do not need. Zincated and boronated bags cost more; use them where a soil test or the previous crop showed the deficiency.
SSP plus urea versus DAP, per kg of nutrient
Per kg of P2O5, SSP costs ₹480.75 / 8 = ₹60.09. DAP costs (1,350 - 105.22) / 23 = ₹54.12 after crediting its 9 kg N at urea's ₹5.38 per kg. Using the PAU wheat quantities:
| Route for wheat (PAU) | Cost | P2O5 | N at sowing | Sulphur |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 kg DAP at ₹27 per kg | ₹1,485.00 | 25.3 kg | 9.9 kg | none set |
| 155 kg SSP at ₹9.62 per kg plus 20 kg urea at ₹5.38 per kg | ₹1,490.33 + ₹107.56 = ₹1,597.89 | 24.8 kg | 9.2 kg | about 17 kg |
- On these prices SSP plus urea costs about ₹113 more, mixing a 2024 SSP price with the 2026 DAP MRP. If sulphur would otherwise be bought as gypsum or a separate input, the gap narrows. See DAP and urea.
Genuine product, tagging and complaints
- The bag must say "FERTILISER" and be sealed or stitched without tampering. Ask for the grade (16%), the manufacturer and the PoS bill. The dealer must display price list and stock and issue a cash or credit memo.
- A fertiliser that fails the standard may be sold only if the bag is marked "non-standard" in red with an X, and only to mixture makers or research farms. A farmer should never be sold such a bag.
- Sale goes through Aadhaar-enabled PoS devices. On 7 Aug 2026 the Minister said alternative Aadhaar-based modes exist under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act for genuine authentication problems.
- In July 2025 the Agriculture Minister told States to stop forced tagging of nano fertilisers or bio-stimulants and act on overpricing and substandard stock. Report to the District Agriculture Officer or the state agriculture department; the Kisan Call Centre number listed by PAU is 1800-180-1551. Check stock on the availability page.
Related nano product
This site covers no nano form of SSP. The nano phosphate product on this site is Nano DAP. More in the fertiliser guide and on organic fertiliser.
Sources
- Markfed Madhya Pradesh SSP prices from 1 April 2024, as reported by Kheti Vyapar
- Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985, Schedule I specifications and dealer rules (consolidated copy hosted by Puducherry government)
- KRIBHCO, Single Super Phosphate product page
- TNAU Agritech Portal, properties of urea, DAP, SSP and MOP
- PM India, Cabinet approves NBS rates for Kharif Season 2026 (1 Apr to 30 Sep 2026), 8 April 2026
- DT Next, Cabinet approves NBS rates for Kharif 2026 (decision of 8 April 2026)
- PIB, 10 March 2026, Rajya Sabha reply on DAP, MOP and NPK prices and availability
- PAU Package of Practices, Rabi 2025-26 (Punjab Agricultural University)
- PAU Package of Practices, Kharif 2026 (Punjab Agricultural University)
- Global Agriculture, urea MRP Rs 242 per 45 kg bag (Department of Fertilizers statement, 6 Aug 2021)
- Tribune, Lok Sabha reply on Aadhaar-enabled PoS sale of fertiliser, 7 Aug 2026
- Indian Chemical News, Agriculture Minister's July 2025 letter to States on fake fertiliser and forced tagging