(a) whether there has been reports of clandestine export of fertilisers to neighbouring
countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether there have been reports of some companies importing certain pesticides whose
import has officially been banned by the Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against such importers; and
(e) the mechanism being devised by the Government to prevent such incidents in future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (DR. D. PURANDESWARI)
(a) & (b): There are some reports of alleged diversion and smuggling of urea and other
subsidized fertilizers from India to Nepal, Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.
To keep a vigil on such diversion and smuggling of fertilizers, State Governments have
been advised from time to time to keep a strict vigil so that no diversion and smuggling
of fertilizes to neighbouring countries takes place. Security forces guarding the border
have also been alerted to keep strict vigilance on the borders so that no smuggling of
fertilizers takes place.
(c) to (e): The Customs formations have seized 4255.446 MT illegally imported pesticides
valued at Rs. 15.67 crore from 2009 to November, 2012. Action has been taken against the
persons found guilty under the provisions of Customs Act read with Foreign Trade Policy for
imposition of penalty and fine, including launching of prosecution. All the Custom formations
including DRI have been sensitized to prevent illegal import of pesticides.