(a) whether India has signed Memorandum of Understanding recently with a number of countries for sourcing raw materials for fertilizes; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the other steps proposed to be taken by the Government to boost production of urea and other chemical fertilizers in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERILIZERS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed on 11,12.2014 between the Indian consortium companies viz NMDC, RCF, NFL, KRIBHCO and FACT with M/s ACRON, a Russian company for 30% equity stake in the proposed fertilizer project in Perm. Russia in Potassic sector.
The following steps are being taken to boost production of urea and other subsidised chemical fertilizers in the country.
(i) Revival of closed urea units of Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited at Sindri, Taicherand Ramagundam.
(ii) The New Investment Policy for Urea has been announced to attract new investments.
(iii) It has been recommended for reduction of customs duty on imported fertilizer raw materials.
(iv) Simplification of existing provisions of New Pricing Scheme-2008 and modified New Pricing Scheme-Ill.