Enough stock of fertilisers for kharif sowing; states must act against diversion of urea: Centre
The Union minister informed all the states that there is adequate availability of fertilisers in the country with the present level of 150 lakh tonnes of stocks. "This stock will not only take care of the ongoing Kharif season but will also ensure a comfortable opening for the forthcoming Rabi (winter-sown) season," Mandaviya said and stressed the need to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers to save the soil.
There is enough stock of fertilisers in the country for the ongoing kharif (summer-sown) season, the Government asserted on Tuesday, even as it asked states to check the diversion of urea for industrial usage.
During an interaction with state agriculture ministers on the availability and use of fertilisers in the country, Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also reviewed the progress of nano urea, nano DAP and promotion of alternate fertilisers at the field level and steps initiated by the states in this regard, the ministry said in a statement.
The Union minister informed all the states that there is adequate availability of fertilisers in the country with the present level of 150 lakh tonnes of stocks. "This stock will not only take care of the ongoing Kharif season but will also ensure a comfortable opening for the forthcoming Rabi (winter-sown) season," Mandaviya said and stressed the need to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers to save the soil.
He highlighted that the central government has already taken a step in the form of PM PRANAM scheme. The efforts also include introduction of slow-release sulphur-coated urea (Urea Gold), nano urea, nano DAP etc. to promote the use of alternative fertilizers to save mother earth.
The state governments expressed their willingness to be active participants in this resolve, the statement said.
During a discussion on the initiative of PMKSKs, which are acting as One-Stop-Shop catering to all the needs of farmers at one place, he appealed to all the State Agriculture Ministers and State Government Officials to regularly visit these PMKSKs and spread awareness among farmers.
"Minister made an earnest appeal to the States/ UTs about the need to keep a check on diversion of agriculture grade urea for non-agricultural purpose," the statement said. He further asked the States/UTs to run awareness campaigns, thereby, reducing the possible diversion of agriculture urea and to take strict action against the defaulters.
"Based on the Joint Inspections by the Fertiliser Flying Squads of Central Government and various State Agriculture Departments, State Governments have registered 45 FIRs against defaulting urea using Units, cancelled licenses of 32 Mixture Units and de-authorised 79 mixture units along with strict actions under Essential Commodities Act & Prevention of Black Marketing Act," the statement said.
The State Government also echoed the sentiment of Zero Tolerance against such culprits.
The meeting, attended by agriculture ministers from various states and senior officers from state governments and senior officials of Department of Fertilisers & Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, concluded with the Centre and states on board to take necessary steps to promote use of alternative fertilisers, and reduce the excessive consumption of chemical fertilisers.
