Question : IMPORT OF FERTILIZERS

(a) whether the Union Government has issued the instructions to the State Governments for importing DAP fertilizers directly by the States;

(b) if so, whether the Union Government proposes to provide the sufficient amount to the State Governments for the purpose;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the state Governments are facing inconvenience in importing the phosphatic fertilizers on time;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Union Government propose to provide DAP and other phosphatic fertilizers to States in adequate quantity in consistent with prior arrangement; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) to (g): Urea is the only fertilizer which is under partial movement and distribution control of the Government. All other fertilizers viz. DAP, MOP, SSP and NPK etc. are decontrolled/ de-canalized since 1992. The availability of Phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers is decided by the market forces of demand and supply. Union Government monitors availability of fertilizers at State level. State Governments are responsible for distribution of fertilizers within the State.

State Governments were advised as far back as May, 2007 to nominate a State Institutional Agency to place firm orders with payment equivalent to MRP minus dealers` margin, with Importers of DAP like M/s IFFCO, IPL etc. for import of de-controlled fertilizers, particularly DAP to meet the assessed requirement in each state. The advance payment made by State Marketing Federation would be realized through its sales. Department of Fertilizers has been facilitating the State Governments in ensuring availability of DAP. As a result, the availability in the states has been adequate. The State-wise cumulative availability and sales of DAP during 2009-10 (April`09 to February`10) is annexed.