(a) whether most of the imported fertilizers are either sub-standard or spurious;
(b) if so, whether proper testing facilities as per international standards are available to test
these imported fertilizers;
(c) if not, the action taken in this regard; and
(d) the steps taken to import quality fertilizers?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 289 DUE FOR REPLY ON 19TH MARCH, 2007.
(a): No, Sir. All the important imported fertilizers, namely Urea, DAP and MOP, which
constitute about 99.5% of total imported fertilizers, have been found to be of standard quality on
testing except marginal variation in particle size in two consignments of urea fertilizer during
2003-04 to 2006-07. However, about 4% of imported 100 percent water soluble fertilizers have
been found to be non-standard, failing in the nutrient content/forms of nutrients during this
period.
(b): Yes, Sir.
(c): Question does not arise.
(d): FCO, 1985 strictly stipulates the import of only quality fertilizers which meet the
prescribed standards.