Question : SETTING UP OF BIO FERTILIZER PLANTS IN GUJARAT

(a) Whether the Government has allowed the Krishak Bharati Co-operative Limited (KRIBHCO) to set up two bio- fertilizer plants in the co-operative sector in Gujarat;

(b) If so, the details and locations thereof alongwith the estimated expenditure likely to be incurred thereon;

(c) The name of the agency in Gujarat proposed to be associated with the projects;

(d) Whether the Government proposes to allow KRIBHCO to set up such plants in other parts of the country;

(e) If so, the details thereof; and

(f) If not, the reasons therefore?

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

(a)to(f): No approval of Government is required for setting up of Bio- fertilizer plant. However KRIBHCO on their own initiative has set up a Bio-fertilizer plant at Hazira Surat (Gujarat) with a total capital expenditure of Rs.120 lakh.

The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has sanctioned financial assistance of Rs.32.50 lakh (Rs.12.50 lakh in 1994-95 and Rs.20.00 lakh in 1997-98) under the National Project on Development and Use of Bio-fertilizers for setting up of bio-fertilizer unit by KRIBHCO at Surat, Gujarat. In addition, KRIBHCO has also set up one bio- fertilizer plant at Lanja (Maharashtra) and one at Varanasi (U.P.) without any financial assistance from the Government.