Punjab Chief Secretary reviews fertilizer availability

Chandigarh, Aug 17 (UNI) Punjab Chief Secretary R I Singh today reviewed the availability of fertilizers in the state and the arrangements being made to ensure the smooth availability during the ensuing rabi season.

At present about 1.40 lakh MT of Urea, 85,000 MT of DAP and about 8800 MT of MOP are available in the state and the situation is quite comfortable, an official spokesman stated.

The Chief Secretary said that 12.5 lakh MT of Urea, 5.5 lakh MT of DAP and 0.60 lakh MT of Murate of Potash (MOP) would be the requirement for the rabi season.

To ensure the smooth availability of fertilizers during rabi season, the state government has already taken-up the matter with the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers.

An order to supply 3.5 lakh MT of DAP to the state before September 30 had already been placed with Indian Potash Limited, as wheat sowing would begin in late October. So far 70,000 MT DAP had already been received.

An additional order to supply 50,000 MT of DAP during the month of October is being placed by Markfed, the Chief secretary said.

He further said that the distribution of DAP shall be made through cooperative societies as well as through Markfed and Punjab Agro Industries Corporation. The Chief Secretary directed these agencies and the Director Agriculture to ensure the smooth availability of fertilizers at the door step of farmers.

He reiterated that the government would ensure timely availability of fertilizers and no shortage shall be allowed to occur.

UNI