After cooking gas, the Centre is considering direct benefits transfer of fertiliser subsidy to farmers, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ananth Kumar said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

“The proposal for direct subsidy transfer to all farmers is under consideration of the Government... It should be done shortly,” Kumar said in response to a question by Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan on reports of rampant black-marketing of urea and the steps the Government is taking to ensure that benefits reach small and marginal farmers.

While stating that there is no shortage of fertilisers in the country, Kumar said it is the responsibility of the States to check black-marketing. “Why do they not raid such people?” he said.

The Minister’s response created a furore, with the Opposition alleging delay in fertiliser subsidy this year, which they said was released after Rabi and Kharif crop sowing was almost over.

Kumar disputed this by saying this month, the demand for urea is estimated at around 13 lakh tonnes and the government has already sent about 23 lakh tonnes to the States.

He said in India, urea is sold at ₹5,360/tonne, while in neighbouring Bangladesh and Nepal it is sold at around ₹22,000/tonne. “Mostly, urea from the country is smuggled to these countries, he added.”

Foreign fishing vessels

Congress MPs from Kerala, supported by MPs from other coastal States, urged the Government to reject the Meenakumari committee report on deep sea fishing, saying it will affect the livelihood of traditional fisherfolk.

The issue was raised during Question Hour by the MPs from Kerala. Assuring the House that the Government will not allow any foreign vessel in the exclusive economic zone, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said he had sought inputs from 14 States and will not take any decision without taking their views into account.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW