Question : PRODUCTION OF FERTILIZERS

(a) whether the Government has drawn an action plan to increase the production of fertilizers to meet the requirement of States/UTs by end of 2015;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has sought assistance of other countries to meet the demand of the States by 2015, if so, the details thereof including the assistance sought country-wise;

(d) whether the Government proposes to import fertilizers, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to become self-reliant in meeting the requirement of fertilizers?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) & (b); Yes, Madam. The Government has drawn action plan for incentivizing the additional production of urea beyond reassessed capacity by existing indigenous urea units by amending the existing provisions of New Investment Policy - 2008 and Modified New Pricing Scheme-III. So far as P&K fertilizers is concerned, the Government is considering to reduce the custom duty on inputs for inc- reasing the domestic production.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): The Government imports urea to meet the gap between the demand and domestic production. For P&K Fertilizers, the imports are done by the various fertilizers companies to meet the demand supply gap.

(e): The Government has notified the New Investment Policy (NIP) - 2012 and the Amendment thereof on 02nd January, 2013 and 07th October, 2014 respectively for becoming self-sufficient in urea sector.