Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Mansukh Mandaviya debunked rumours of fertilizer shortage by revealing stocks available for different categories of fertilizer in the country.
Comparing the demand and supply situation, Mandaviya said that the availability far surpasses the demand. Categorically denouncing the claim of shortage, the Union Minister stated that he has reviewed the availability targets of fertilizers for the month of November with officials and am confident of a very comfortable situation.
“While the demand of Urea is 41 lakh MT, 76 lakh MT of Urea will be made available. Similarly, 18 lakh MT DAP will be made available against a projected demand of 17 lakh MT. Availability of 30 lakh MT of NPK will surpass the demand of 15 lakh MT”, said the Minister.
The Union Minister appealed to all farmers not to hoard fertilizers. He requested them not to pay attention to rumour mongers. He cautioned that strict action will be taken against those who resort to black-marketing of fertilizers using rumor as a shield.
He assured that the Union government is constantly monitoring the production, imports and movement of fertilizers in the country and adequate arrangements are in place to ensure that farmers get sufficient quantity of fertilizer.
It bears recall that the two fertilizer co-ops IFFCO and Kribhco cater to the major fertilizer needs of the country. While IFFCO has a market share of more than 25 percent, Kribhco is a close second.
IFFCO has five production units based in Kalol, Kandala, Aonla, Phulpur and Paradeep. It has recently started Nano production from its Kalol Unit.
KRIBHCO’s production facility is located at Hazira, Gujarat and its wholly-owned subsidiary KRIBHCO Fertilizers Limited (KFL) production facility is located at Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The two also have overseas tie-ups.