IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi was in Minsk last week trying to gain supply of potash for better farming back home in India. He visited mines of Belaruskali, one of the world’s largest producers of potash fertilizers, among others and met with top honchos there.
Tweeting about the development Dr. U S Awasthi said “ In office of #Belarus Kali with #GD Golovaty, Elena & #Dr P S Gahlaut had fruitful discussions abt long term supply.”
It is being reported that India is under-applying potash leading to an imbalance in nutrient application. The nitrogen to potassium ratio of fertilizer application is now 10:1 – the optimal is 2:1.
“If India is to improve its yields – important for food security – it must step up potash application again,” say experts.
In another tweet Dr. U S Awasthi” With #Elena CEO of #Belarus Potash Company thank you for showing us your 
beautiful country.”
Last year Uralkali the world’s largest potash producer by output, agreed to supply 800,000 tonnes of the fertiliser to India at a price that is around 25 percent less than what the Indian company was paying nearly a year ago.
In the background of potash crisis in India , the visit of MD was greeted with cheers as soon as the news and photos of Dr Awasthi in Belarus were posted on twitter. One of his followers tweeted” @drusawasthi Sir this is great to know and will solve the issues related to Potash” Another said “ @drusawasthi Sir, congrats for the successful visit. This will surely free country from the clutches of the potash cartel.
Potash reduces transpiration of the plant and its water consumption decreases, so the plant is more resistant to drought. Its use ensures that plants have larger fruit.
