Question : Demand- Supply and Consumption of Fertilizers

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) the details regarding total demand, supply, availability and consumption of different fertilizers along with the extent of their distribution among the farmers during the last three years, State-wise;

(b) whether the demand-supply gap of fertilizers in the country has increased recently resulting in large scale black-marketing of fertilizers, supply of substandard/spurious fertilizers and sharp rise in the prices of fertilizers. If so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the corrective action taken thereon, State-wise ;

(c) the details of the mechanism put in place for ascertaining demand and supply of fertilizers during the Kharif and Rabi seasons in each State;

(d) whether supply of fertilizers in remote and backward areas is hampered due to unavailability of proper storage facilities and poor road conditions, if so, the steps taken by the Government to deal with the situation; and

(e) the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure adequate supply of fertilizers especially during the ensuing monsoon season?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): A statement indicating the demand(requirement), supply(availability) and consumption (sales) of different subsidized chemical fertilizers (Urea, DAP,MOP and NPK) during the last three years (2012-13,2013-14,2014-15) and current year upto January, 2016 is annexed.

: 2 :
(b): It can be seen from the statement that availability of all fertilizers in all States/UTs against the sales was adequate. Regarding black-marketing, supply ofsubstandard/spurious fertilizers, it is informed that Government of India has declared fertilizers as essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955(ECAct) and notified Fertilizer (Control) Order (FCO), 1985 & Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973 under the EC Act. State Governments have been adequately empowered to ensure selling of fertilizers at MRP besides stopping black marketing of fertilizers. State Governments are empowered to conduct search, make seizures and take punitive action against any person violating provisions of FCO, 1985 and Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

(c): The month-wise demand of fertilizers is assessed and projected by the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) in consultation with the State Governments before commencement of each cropping season.
On the basis of month-wise & state-wise projection given by DAC&FW, Department of Fertilizers allocates sufficient/ adequate quantities of fertilizersat subsidized ratesto Statesby issuing monthly supply plan and continuously monitors the availability.

(d): Department of Fertilizers ensures availability of fertilizers at the state level and the distribution to the farmers within the State at printed MRPs is the responsibility of the respective State Government. Further, Rail and road freights are paid by the Government of India and availability of fertilizers is adequate at State level.

(e): The following steps are being taken by the Government to provide adequate supply of fertilizers to the farmers in all the States/UTs during the ensuing monsoon season.
(i) The movement of all major subsidized fertilizers is being monitored throughout the country by an on-line web based monitoring system (www.urvarak.co.in) also called as Fertilizer Monitoring System (FMS);

(ii) The State Governments are regularly advised to coordinate with manufacturers and importers of fertilizers for streamlining the supplies through timely placement of indents for railway rakes through their state institutional agencies like Markfed etc.

(iii) Regular Weekly Video Conference is conducted jointly by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC), Department of Fertilizers (DoF), and Ministry of Railways with State Agriculture Officials and corrective actions are taken to dispatch fertilizer as indicated by the State Governments.

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