The Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri  Nihal Chand has said that the quantum of production of various fertilizers during the last three years and current year is given as under:

<Figures in LMT>

          A statement showing requirement, availability and sales of various fertilizers to all the States/ UTs during each of the last three years and of current year (April to June, 2014) is annexed at ‘A’.

                It can be seen from the above annexure that the availability vis-à-vis the sales have been adequate and comfortable in all the States/UTs. 

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Shri  Nihal Chand said as per information received from various State Governments, there were 23 cases in the year 2011-12, 7 cases in 2012-13 and 4 cases in 2013-14.   However, there is no report from any State Government/UT during this year so far.  Regarding corrective steps, it is stated that State Governments are adequately empowered to conduct search, make seizers and take punitive action against any person violating provisions of FCO, 1985 and Essential Commodity Act, 1955. In addition,   Department of Fertilizers has, from time to time, written to the Chief Secretaries, Ministry of Home Affairs to activate the enforcement agencies under their jurisdiction to take action in this regard.  Further, Department of Fertilizers, through weekly video conference with Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and representatives of State Government has been sensitizing and advising the State Governments for keeping strict vigil and for taking of prompt action by the State Governments to check black –marketing.

Click here to see Annexure:

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NSK/NN