By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, JUNE 17, 2020: TO ensure adequate supply of Fertilizers to farmer Community during Kharif sowing season Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers D V Sadananada Gowda  held  a meeting with all the stake holders of Fertilizer industry through Video conference yesterday.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Gowda said, “I would like to thank all the industry captains present here for cooperating with Government to contain adverse impact of corona pandemic. The crisis and consequent lockdown had thrown up several challenges which could have adversely impacted availability of fertilizers across the country. Fortunately, all of us were able to rise to the occasion and had ensured that fertilizer availability for upcoming Kharif crop is comfortable."

Despite all the odds, Mr Gowda appreciated the way fertilizer industry kept operating your units. 

Union Minister also said Kharif season has started, and famers in various parts of the country have started their farming operations. In addition, India may experience a good monsoon season this year. Therefore, he emphasised that the demand for fertilisers may continue to remain at higher level this year also. Compared to last year, DBT sales of both urea and P & K fertilisers have been significantly higher in the months of April, May & June this year. 

He, however, added that the requirement of urea during Kharif season is estimated at 170 Lakh MT while production may be around 133 Lakh MT. The difference will be made available through imports. Already two global tenders have been floated and Department will continue to import urea to meet the requirements of farmers across the country.