New Delhi [India], April 2 : Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers JP Nadda spoke with Agriculture Ministers of states and Chief Ministers, assuring them of full support for the availability of essential fertilisers, including urea and DAP, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, sources said.
According to the sources, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan also met Nadda at Parliament to review the situation and coordinate actions.
Earlier on March 27, Nadda assured consumers that there was an adequate supply of fertiliser in the country even as the West Asia conflict continues. Answering queries in the Lok Sabha over the impact of the West Asia crisis on fertiliser availability, the Minister said the government has ensured adequate availability, and there is no need for panic.
The Minister further said that the government is also looking for diversification of raw materials in terms of imports, and has signed long-term import agreements with several countries. The Minister said that the government is making efforts to reduce active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) import dependence.
Last week, a meeting of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the evolving West Asia situation was held at Parliament, focusing on its potential impact on essential supplies, particularly fertilisers.
According to sources, the ministers reviewed the current availability and supply of fertilisers and concluded that there is no immediate shortage for the upcoming Kharif season, assuring that farmers' requirements will be met. However, the ongoing crisis in the region is likely to impact fertiliser production by an estimated 0.6 to 0.9 million tonnes.
The GoM also discussed contingency measures to address any potential shortfall. Sources said the government is planning to bridge the gap through imports from countries such as Morocco and other global suppliers.
The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and Health and Fertilisers Minister JP Nadda, among others.
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