Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya, held a meeting with State Agriculture Ministers on the availability and use of fertilizers in India on August 22, 2023.
Adequate Fertilizer Stocks Available
Mandaviya informed the States that there is adequate availability of fertilizers in the country with a present level of 150 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of stocks. This stock will not only take care of the ongoing Kharif season but will also ensure a comfortable opening for the forthcoming Rabi season.
Need to Reduce Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers
Mandaviya highlighted the necessity of reducing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers to save soil. He reiterated that the Union Government has already taken a step in this direction by launching the PM PRANAM scheme. This scheme aims to promote the use of alternate fertilizers such as slow-release Sulphur Coated Urea (Urea Gold), nano urea, and nano DAP.
States Urged to Keep a Check on Urea Diversion
Mandaviya also urged the States to keep a check on the diversion of agriculture grade urea for non-agricultural purposes. He asked the States to run awareness campaigns and take strict action against the defaulters.
Centre and States to Take All Necessary Steps
The meeting concluded with the Centre and States agreeing to take all necessary steps to promote the use of alternate fertilizers and reduce the excessive consumption of chemical fertilizers. The States also expressed their support for the recently launched initiatives such as PM-PRANAM, Urea Gold, Nano-Urea, and Nano-DAP.
State Agriculture Ministers from various States, senior officers from State Governments, and senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare attended the meeting.
