Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister calls upon the Fertilizer Industry to join hands in propagating the balanced use of fertilizers among the farmers; compliments the industry for good performance

The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar has called upon the Fertilizer Industry to join hands with the Government in propagating the message of using balanced fertilizers among the farmers. Speaking at the annual session of Fertilizer Association of India in New Delhi today, he said that there is an urgent need to use various nutrients in a proportionate manner. The Minister said that the Government has taken up the issue on a large scale by distributing Soil Health Cards, opening Soil Labs and promoting Neem coated urea, and the industry also has put in its efforts to create awareness among the farmers. Shri Ananth Kumar said that the Government is contemplating a policy to convert waste to compost.

On the issue of revival of fertilizer plants, he called upon the Fertilizer Industry to step forward and be a partner. He said that no new fertilizer plant has been set up in last 15-20 years, and the country has to import 7-8 million tons per annum to meet the demand. The Government has taken decision to revive several plants. The Minister said the Government will provide land, gas subsidy, infrastructure for these plants and the industry should come on board to take part in the bids invited for these plants.

Lauding the Fertilizer Industry for making India proud, Shri Ananth Kumar said that the domestic industry has risen to the occasion in producing neem coated urea in shortest possible time. He said the Government is willing to facilitate the industry in overcoming its problems. He assured the industry that the issue of subsidy urea will be soon sorted out. Shri Ananth Kumar said that the government has already announced New Urea policy which is based on the principles of stability and level playing field. This sector has grown more than 18 percent in last one year and the production is likely to grow up by about 15 lakh tones this year. He said, more the industry produces, more it gains. Full advantage will be given for higher capacity utilization.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir called upon Fertilizer Industry to come up with the ideas to boost the productivity. Mentioning the coal-based gasification technology, he said that new research and new ideas are required to bring down the input cost for fertilizers. Shri Ahir said that India is an agrarian country and Government is making policies for the welfare of the farmers.

Earlier Shri Ananth Kumar and Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir released four publications brought out by the Fertilizer Association of India. They also gave awards in various categories for best performing industries and individuals in this sector.