Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chairs high-level meeting today to review the availability and distribution of fertilizers during the Kharif season

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chairs high-level meeting today to review the availability and distribution of fertilizers during the Kharif season

Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, chaired a high-level meeting today with officials from the Department of Fertilizers to review the availability and distribution of fertilizers during the ongoing Kharif season.

During the meeting, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda underscored the critical role of agriculture in ensuring food security for the nation. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the timely availability of essential nutrients to support crop productivity. The Minister was briefed on the current status of fertilizer supplies and preparations for Kharif 2025. Domestic production of fertilizers is maintained at optimum level, with DAP production reaching 3.84 Lakh Metric Tons, highest in recent months. To bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply, Indian fertilizer companies have secured tie-ups with prominent exporters of fertilizers viz. Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Russia, ensuring steady imports throughout the year. The Union Minister directed officials to ensure that fertilizers are made available promptly across all states to meet the requirements of farmers. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of close coordination with all stakeholders viz. state governments, fertilizer companies, Railways and Port Authorities among others

Shri Nadda also expressed concern over the growing reliance on chemical fertilizers, particularly urea. In response, he reiterated the need to promote sustainable agricultural practices. He directed the officials to intensify efforts to implement PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth). This initiative aims to encourage the sustainable and balanced use of fertilizers, adoption of alternative fertilizers, and promote organic and natural farming methods. States that demonstrate a reduction in chemical fertilizer usage will be eligible for incentives under this program.

Furthermore, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda emphasized the need for coordinated action with state governments to address the issue of illegal diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilizers. He called for stringent measures to prevent these malpractices and ensure that fertilizers reach the intended recipients.

The meeting was attended by Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Fertilizers and other senior officials including Ms. Anita Meshram, Additional Secretary; Ms. Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretary; and Shri Abhay Sharma, Director (Movement).