The Hindu Business Line : No shortage of fertilisers, says Fertiliser Dept

New Delhi, June 19 The Department of Fertilisers on Thursday said that there is no problem in availability of fertilisers in the six States that have complained about shortages in recent weeks.

The problem is localised and is rising out of the respective State Government’s inability to monitor intra-State movements and prevent hoarding.

Speaking to reporters here, the Fertiliser Secretary, Dr J.S. Sharma, said, “The problem is to ensure that the fertilisers reach their target destinations.”

Six States have complained about shortages — Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Transport subsidy

Releasing figures for every State, Dr Sharma said, “Companies used to complain that the transport subsidy given to them was lower than actual costs.

“In order to ensure that the companies actually supply the fertiliser to the blocks from this year we are reimbursing their actual transport cost instead of the earlier fixed cost.”

Urea fine

He said that the alleged supply shortage is for di-ammonium phosphate and complex fertilisers.

“There is no difficulty with urea,” he said.

The supplies are till June 18 only, Dr Sharma pointed out, and added that “the remaining portion will reach the State before the month-end.

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