Gowda’s ministry registers record sale of fertilizers during lockdown

• During April 1-22, the POS of fertilizers to farmers was 10.63 lakh MT, which was 32 percent higher than the last year's figure of 8.02 lakh MT

• Dealers purchased 15.77 lakh MT of fertilizers, which was 46 percent higher when compared to the last year's sale

New Delhi: In the backdrop of a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has registered a record sale of fertilizers to the farmers' community. During April 1-22, the POS (Point of Sale) of fertilizers to farmers was 10.63 lakh MT, which was 32 percent higher than the last year's corresponding figure of 8.02 lakh MT.

During April 1-22, dealers purchased 15.77 lakh MT of fertilizers, which was 46 percent higher when compared to the last year's sale of 10.79 lakh MT during the same period.

'Ministry ensuring supply of fertilizers ahead of Kharif season'

Despite lot of movement restrictions due to nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, production and supply of fertilizers in the country has been going on without hindrance with the concerted efforts of Department of Fertilizers, Railways, states and ports, the ministry said in a press release.     

"This is in line with the commitment made by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers to ensure availability of fertilizers to farmers for the upcoming Kharif season," the statement said.         

'There is sufficient stock of fertilizers'

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers DV Sadananda Gowda has assured that there will be no issues with respect to the availability of fertilizers. State governments have a sufficient stock of fertilizers, he has said. He also said that the ministry is in touch with state Agriculture Ministers and is committed to ensuring the availability of fertilizers to the farming community before the sowing time. 

"On April 17, 41 fertilizer rakes were moved from plants and ports. This is the highest movement of fertilizers during the lockdown period in a day. One rake carries 3,000 MT of load at a time. The production of fertilizers is going on in full capacity," the release added.

"The government has allowed the operation of fertilizer plants in the country under the Essential Commodities Act so that the agriculture sector may not feel the heat of the lockdown. As loading and unloading of fertilizers are in full swing at fertilizer plants, railway stations, and ports, no compromise is made with precautions to prevent COVID-19. Masks and all other preventive equipments are provided to labours and all other working staff," the statement said.