(a) Whether the Government is aware of the import of potash by
fertilizer mafias in the country, as reported in Hindustan Times
dated June 23, 2004;
(b) if so, facts thereof ;
(c) the loss suffered by the Government due to import of potash; and
(d) the remedial steps taken by the Government against fertilizer mafias?
THE MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF STEEL (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a) & (b) No sir.
(c) & (d): The import of MOP is free in the country. The Government
does not import MOP, however the concession is paid to importers
under the concession scheme, on the sale of MOP for direct
agricultural use. This year the price of MOP registered steep
increase in the international market, therefore the imports are
taking place at higher price. This is leading to increase in
concession/subsidy payment on MOP.