Mansukh L. Mandaviya, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers told in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as the prices of P&K fertilizers have come down in the international market, the fertilizer companies have reduced the MRP of DAP, MOP & NPK Complex fertilizers by Rs. 2500/MT, Rs. 5000/MT and Rs.1000/MT respectively. Thus, there is no increase in prices of fertilizers.
During the current year there is no report of black-marketing from any State Government so far. However, there were reports of alleged black-marketing of fertilizers from some States during the year 2013-14 to 2015-16, Mandaviya underlined.
In this context, it is informed that Government has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and notified Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 and Fertilizer (Movement Control) Order, 1973, he added.
The State Governments have been empowered to take appropriate action to curb black-marketing of fertilizers and initiate action against the persons who violate these orders. State Governments are responsible for ensuring availability of all subsidized chemicals fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates, Mandaviya informed the House.