MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) to (d): No, Madam. There are reports of smuggling of fertilizers from India to neighbouring countries.
However, these have not been confirmed by the State Governments. The Chief Secretaries in the States and
Border Guarding Authorities like Border Security Force (BSF), Coast Guards and Custom authorities etc.
have been alerted by Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance to keep
strict vigil on such activities which may lead to illegal exports/smuggling of fertilizers and initiate
stringent action against the persons involved in such malpractices under the provision of FCO, 1985.
The provision contained in Para 3 of Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973 -Prohibits the illegal export/
smuggling of fertilizers. Instances of illegal export of Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Di-Ammonium Phosphate
(DAP) packed in the brand common Salt and Soda Ash from Gujarat has come to notice. The consignment has been
seized by Custom Authorities at Kandla Port. Similarly, Government of Maharashtra has also intimated that the
fertilizer is being exported illegally in the name of Soda Ash, Salt etc. This complaint was on the basis of
seizure of about 4000 bags of 50 Kg. (each having imprinted as Soda Ash but containing DAP as per testing
report) by the District Quality Control Inspector while inspecting the Godown of M/s Transworld Furtichem
Pvt. Ltd., Roha, District, Raigad on 27th January, 2010. In this regard necessary legal proceedings are
being initiated by the concerned authorities. Similarly in Karnataka, Bangalore customs have seized 1156
MT of MOP from six traders and have initiated legal proceedings. The respective State Government`s will
be taking appropriate action against offenders as per provisions of law.
Recently also, Department of Fertilizers has written to Chief Secretaries of the States having international
boundaries for initiating action against person/persons involved in smuggling of fertilizers with the help
of Central/State enforcement agencies.
(e) & (f); No, Madam. As per Clause 4 (a) of the Fertilizer (Control) Order- Display of stock position of
fertilizers - Every dealer, who makes or offers to make a retail sale of any fertilizers, shall prominently
display in his place of business - the quantities of opening stock of different fertilizers held by his on
each day.
Under clause 21 of the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, it is mandatory to print the maximum retail price
on each bag of fertilizers whether under statutory price control or out of the purview of the statutory price
control. No person shall charge higher than the price printed on the bag. Any person violating this mandatory
provision of FCO is held liable to be proceeded under the provisions of FCO and Essential Commodities Act.
The State Governments as enforcement agencies are adequately empowered to take appropriate action against
the offenders who indulge in any kind of malpractices viz., hoarding etc.
