Question : EFFICIENT APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

(a) whether the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) entrusted with the tasks of development and production of the state-of-the-art environment friendly pesticide formulation technology and promotion of efficient application technologies have not utilized allocated funds till 31 January,2010;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the action taken in the matter; and

(c) the steps taken to ensure optimum and methodical utilization of funds by IPFT to achieve its objectives and to improve its effectiveness along with the revenue earned through the introduction of these measures during the last three years?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHENICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRI KANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) & (b) Plan provision for procurement of sophisticated scientific/technical equipment for development of eco & environmental friendly technologies, during 2009-10, could not be fully utilized due to receipt of very less number of bids, even single bids in some cases, against open/global tenders. In order to ensure proper utilization of funds, Justification and Specification Committees have been constituted to streamline the procurement process and to float global tenders for greater competition & participation by prospective bidders.

(c) IPFT is essentially working on the development of environment and user friendly new generation pesticide formulations. During the last three years, IPFT has developed number of formulation technologies and successfully transferred the same to the different pesticides industries in India for commercialization. In addition, IPFT has also initiated awareness programmes/workshops in application technologies for all stake holders in collaboration with State Governments. An overall revenue of ` 60.97 lakhs has been generated during the last three years.