‘India to become Aatmanirbhar in phosphatic fertilisers’

In order to improve the availability of phosphatic fertilizers (DAP and NPK) and to reduce the dependence on imports by making India truly Aatmnirbhar in fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers chaired a meeting with officials of the Department of Fertilizers and stakeholders of Fertilizers industries.

On the occasion, Mandaviya said, “I am glad that Department of Fertilisers is ready with an Action Plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertilisers.”

By following the clarion call of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is surely marching towards achieving Aatmanirabharta in fertilizers in the time to come.”

An Action Plan was chalked out for making India Aatmanirbhar fertilizer production through indigenous resources. Mandaviya directed to commercially exploit and ramp up the production in the existing 30 lakh MT of Phosphorite deposits which are available in Rajasthan, the central part of peninsular India, Hirapur(MP), Lalitpur(UP), Mussoorie syncline, Cuddapah basin(AP).

Discussion and planning with the Department of Mining and Geological Survey of India are going on to expedite the exploration in the potential potassic ore resources in Rajasthan’s Satipura, Bharusari & Lakhasar and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka.

All the departments are working jointly to start the mining of potential reserves as soon as possible. The Action Plan included the steps to minimize the import dependency of costly raw material imported from abroad and make it accessible and affordable to farmers.

Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilizers and India is 90% dependent on imports. Volatility in international prices affects the domestic prices of fertilizers and hinders the progress and development of the agriculture sector in the country.

Therefore, Shri Mandaviya called a meeting with stakeholders to expedite the exploration and mining of available rock phosphate reserves in India.