K'taka urges PM to release 1.25 lakh tones of fertiliser

Bangalore, June 4 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to use his good office for release of 1.25 lakh tones of DAP and 1.1 lakh tones of Complexes fertiliser to meet the raising demand by the farmers in the State.

Recalling his meeting with Dr Singh during his maiden visit to New Delhi after becoming Chief Minister, Mr Yeddyurappa said that " as mentioned during the discussion the State is facing severe problem in the availability of fertilisers and the State Government has taken up the issue with Union ministry of Fertilisers".

"The problem really seems to be that at the beginning of the Kharif season in the State, none of the suppliers of fertilisers had any significant stocks. Meanwhile, as a result of unseasonal but widespread rains in March and April, preparatory activities for Kharif began much earlier this year than usual. The recent rains in the State have given further impetus for earlier sowing. As a result, the demand for fertilisers has suddenly shot up", he added.

In a letter addressed to Dr Singh, copy of which was released to the press here, Mr Yeddyurappa said that " the Union Department of Fertiliser has been kept informed of this development and the State had been assured 1.25 lakh tones of DAP and 1.1 lakh tones of Complex fertilisers in June. However, there is some fear that this quantum may not actually be available during current month given the difficulties in obtaining raw materials but of greater concern is the fact that we need bulk of the supplies to be made available early in the month of June so that availability matches the demand at the field level.

He said that "since I had discussed this matter with you when I met you in Delhi, I am writing this to keep you posted about the developments. I request you to use your good offices to ensure that atleast 60 per cent of the fertiliser assured for the June month was made available in the first fortnight." UNI MSP MV TS2042