The Hindu Business Line : Prevent fertiliser hoarding, Paswan urges States

Home Page - Fertilisers
Agri-Biz & Commodities - Agricultural Policy
Industry & Economy - Economic Offences
Prevent fertiliser hoarding, Paswan urges States

Our Bureau

Rabi season urea demand pegged at 127.08 lt

New Delhi , Nov. 7

The Union Minister of Chemicals, Fertilisers and Steel, Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, urged the State Governments to take necessary steps to prevent hoarding of fertilisers. Stating that selling of fertilisers above the maximum retail price (MRP) and hoarding are violative of the Fertiliser Control Order, the Minister urged State Chief Ministers to prevent such malpractices.

Addressing the annual Economic Editors Conference here on Tuesday, the Minister said that while the Centre is taking all steps to ensure availability of fertilisers for the rabi crop, the State Governments have to act on their part.

Letter CMs

Releasing a letter written to the Chief Ministers, the minister said that "for the rabi season the demand for urea is estimated at 127.08 lakh tonnes, for di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) demand is 48.19 lakh tonnes and for muriate of potash (MoP) 18.57 lakh tonnes." "While we are taking all necessary steps to ensure availability of fertilisers in each State during the season, I am concerned at some reports of sale of fertilisers at prices above the MRP.

Complaints of hoarding of fertilisers in some pockets have also been received. Sale of fertilisers at a price above the MRP, as well as hoarding are violative of the provision of the FCO and hence attract penal provisions. It is therefore necessary that the concerned State takes adequate measures to prevent such malpractices and to ensure that the farmer is provided with supplies of fertiliser at prices within the stipulated MRP," the Minister stated in his letter to Chief Ministers.

On the issue of fertiliser subsidy, Mr Paswan said that the actual requirement for financial year 2006-07 has increased to Rs 32.840.30 crore, which include Rs 26,926.36 crore for the current year.