Question : NUTRIENT BASED FERTILIZER PRICING SYSTEM

(a) Whether there is any proposal to implement a nutrient based fertilizer pricing system to help farmers get fertilizers such as diarmmonium Phosphate (DAP),Muriate of potash (MOP) and complexes at cheaper rates;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the time by which the said proposal is likely to be implemented;

(d) whether the Union Government is considering to set up an independent regulatory authority for the fertilizer sector to fix selling prices and subsidy; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)

(a) to (c) The nutrient based pricing of subsidized fertilizers is aimed towards providing various subsidized nutrients to the farmers at a uniform price across all subsidized fertilizer products. The Group of Ministers (GOM) has also `in-principle` approved the Nutrient Based pricing of fertilizers. A proposal for decision in the matter is under preparation. Since a final decision in the matter is yet to be taken, no time frame can be indicated at this stage.

(d) & (e) The Group of Ministers (GOM) looking into sustainable use of fertilizers and pertinent subsidy and pricing issues have given its `in-principle` approval for setting up of a Regulatory Authority for the fertilizer sector. A proposal for decision in the matter is under preparation.