Amid national level COVID -19 lockdown, Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has a record sale of fertilisers to farmer community in India.
During April-June 2020, point-of-sale (POS) sale of fertiliers to farmers was 111.61 lakh metric tonne which is 82.81 percent higher than the last year sale of 61.05 lakh metric tonne during the same period.
During this period 64.82 lakh MT of urea (67 percent higher as compared to last year), 22.46 lakh MT of DAP (100 percent higher than last year), and 24.32 lakh MT of COMPLEX fertilisers (120 percent higher than last year) were sold to the farming community.
Despite lot of movement restrictions due to national level COVID-19 lockdown, with the concerted efforts of the department, Indian Railways, state governments and ports, production and supply of fertilisers in the country is going on without hindrance.
This is in line with the commitment made by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to ensure availability of fertilisers to farmers for the upcoming Kharif season.
Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, DV Sadananda Gowda has said, “We are closely monitoring the stock and availability of fertilisers to the farmers during Kharif season. State governments have been provided sufficient stock of the fertilisers. We are in touch with state agriculture ministers.”
On June 30, 73 fertiliser rakes moved from plants and ports. This is the highest movement of fertilisers in a single day. One rake carries 3,000 MT of load at a time.
Government of India, Under Essential Commodities Act, has allowed operation of fertiliser plants in the country so that agriculture sector may not feel the heat of lockdown.
As loading and unloading of fertilisers are in full swing at fertiliser plants, railway stations and ports, no compromise is made with precautions to avoid COVID-19. Masks and all other preventive equipments are provided to labourers and all other working staff, the ministry has said.
