HP seeks subsidy on transporting fertilisers

Shimla, Jan 29 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh government today sought Central subsidy on transporting fertilisers from the raking point of Chandigarh to consumption centres set up in all various parts of the state.

Speaking at the Agriculture Ministers Conference on fertiliser sector here, state Agriculture Minister Raj Krishan Gaur said the Centre was providing a subsidy of Rs 283 per metric tonne to the state, against an actual cost of Rs 800 per metric tonne after after fertilisers were delivered at Chandigarh Rail Head.

Mr Gaur said the state government was bearing the additional cost of Rs two crore per annum for transporting fertilisers from Chandigarh to main consumption centres of the state, adding that it should be borne by the Centre.

Hundred per cent transport subsidy on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir should be provided to the state government, keeping in view the similar topographical and geographical location of the state, he said.

The Agriculture Minister said even the fertiliser companies were reluctant to transport the material from Chandigarh to wholesale godowns at the present rate of Rs 283 per metric tonne.

He urged the Centre to direct the Gujrat Narmada Valley Fertiliser Company at Bharauch in Gujrat to immediately begin the supply of CAN fertiliser to the state for which it had already paid in advance.

UNI