Question : Fertilizer Manufacturing Companies

(a) the number of fertilizer manufacturing companies functioning in the country, as on date, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the Government has received complaints of shortage, non-availability and untimely supply of subsidized fertilizers by the companies to farmers across the country during each of the last three years and the current year;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the action taken thereon, State/UT-wise;

(d) the cases of black-marketing/smuggling of subsidized fertilizers and supply of sub-standard/ adulterated quality to farmers that have come to the notice of the Government during the said period along with the action taken thereon, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the other remedial measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

(SHRI D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a): The number of fertilizer manufacturing companies in the country operating at present State-wise are at Annexure.

(b): No, Sir. There has been no shortage, non-availability and untimely supply of subsidized fertilizers in the last three years and current years.

(c): Question does not arise.

(d) & (e): Government of India has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and notified Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985 and Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973. State Governments have been adequately empowered to ensure selling of fertilizers at MRP besides stopping black marketing/smuggling of fertilizers. State Governments are empowered to conduct search, make seizures and take punitive action against any person violating provisions of FCO, 1985 and Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

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