Fertiliser Ministry Chintan Shivir held earlier this month saw detailed discussions on key challenges facing India’s fertilizer sector, including the misuse of subsidised fertilizers and sales above the prescribed maximum retail price (MRP).
During the day-long Chintan Shivir, chaired by Union Fertiliser Minister J P Nadda, officials deliberated on nearly 15 key points related to policy, distribution, and farmer welfare. Sources said the minister made it clear that tagging non-fertilizer products with subsidised fertilizers and selling fertilizers above the approved price are wrong practices and must stop. He asked industry players and officials to work together to address these issues.
The Fertiliser Ministry Chintan Shivir, held on January 3, focused on several thematic areas. These included freight subsidy policy, soil health improvement through alternate fertilizers such as nano and new-age products, achieving self-sufficiency in fertilizers, and increasing farmer awareness through digital platforms.
Other important topics discussed included Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs), dealer management, fertilizer movement and supply planning, online sale of subsidised fertilizers, smaller bag sizes, tracking of fertilizer bags, and targeted fertilizer use linked to land and crop patterns. The meeting also reviewed the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) approach to promote balanced fertilization.
Industry Voices Mixed Views on Reforms
An industry official who attended the meeting said the discussions helped identify priority areas for reform. However, he expressed doubts about the government’s willingness to implement major changes.
The official cited an incident where a Punjab government representative faced resistance after suggesting an increase in the MRP of urea to curb black marketing. Industry participants argued that farmers often pay around ₹300 per bag, even though the official MRP stands at ₹267.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi had also suggested fixing the urea price at a rounded figure, stating that ₹300 per bag would be more practical for farmers.
Government Focus on Farmers, Says Minister
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nadda stressed that all policies must aim to make farmers’ lives easier. He said the Department of Fertilizers ensured uninterrupted fertilizer availability despite challenging conditions.
According to an official statement, India achieved record fertilizer production, supported by timely imports, due to farmer-friendly measures. The minister also said different government departments would work together to prevent fertilizer diversion and ensure balanced use strictly for agricultural purposes.
