Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

Four Indian public sector undertakings (PSUs) have forged a long-term pact with Russian firm Phos Agro for the supply of five types of fertilisers including DAP in the current fiscal year, Fertiliser Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

“An agreement of intent has been signed between four Indian PSUs and Russian company Phos Agro for supply of five types of fertilisers including DAP in 2021/2022,” he said.

 

Mandaviya, in his written reply to the Upper House, said efforts are being made to establish a mechanism to ensure a regular and sufficient supply of Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and its raw materials to India at reasonable prices from various countries like Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Russia, etc.

The minister also added that the government had recently granted permission to Madhya Bharat Agro Product Ltd Unit-II for production of 1.20 lakh tonne per annum to enhance domestic production of fertilisers. Its production started in October.

 

As regards exploring minerals for raw materials for DAP and other fertilisers in India, he said two rounds of discussion have been held with the stakeholders.

Responding to another query, the minister said the availability of soil nutrients including DAP and urea has remained comfortable in the ongoing rabi season of 2021-22 crop year (July-June).

He ruled out any shortage of fertilisers in the country as he highlighted measures taken to ensure an adequate and timely supply of DAP in the country.

To ensure fertilisers reach various states, the minister — in his written replies to the Rajya Sabha — said the Centre is holding 24×7 interactions with state governments, fertiliser companies and railways through a control room and web platforms.

“The stakeholders like manufacturers, ports and railways have been asked to operate on maximum capacity to produce, load and move fertilisers to the targeted destinations,” he said.

The minister said since 90 per cent of the fertilisers are moved through railway rakes, the loading and movement of these rakes are being executed in a very targeted manner in consultation with respective states so as to address the field demand.

Further, loading and voyage time of imported DAP shipments is being monitored on a daily basis and suitable interventions are being made from time to time, he added.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *