Relief for UP farmers as Centre allows import of fertilisers
State can now import fertilisers directly to mitigate shortage
 "Relief for UP farmers as Centre allows import of fertilisers")
Managing Director of Pradeshik Cooperative Federation (PCF) R P Goswami said less supply of fertiliser of about 50-70 per cent than the expected quota from the Centre had deepened the crisis in the state.
He, however, said with the Centre permitting direct import of fertiliser, there was a hope of some respite.
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Goswami said the state government had sought direct supply of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and phosphetic fertiliser from the Centre, which was granted in December.
He said a letter was also sent, seeking permission to import urea, but that had not been granted so far.
"If permission is granted, not only farmers will get respite from the existing crisis, the black marketing of fertilisers can also be checked," he said.
The MD said a tender had been floated on January 16 and the state government planned to import 500,000 tonnes fertiliser in the next one year.
He said Cooperative Minister Shivpal Singh Yadav held several meetings with officials at the Centre and the efforts had yielded results.
"Permission to import fertiliser will give farmers a huge respite as they will get it on time. The government is making all efforts for timely availability of fertilisers," PCF Chairman Aditya Yadav said.
Goswami said 1,690,000 tonnes urea was required in the state against which only 78,60,00 tonnes was received from the centre with only one month left for Rabi crop.
He said similarly against 1,300,000 tonnes DAP, only 860,000 was received.
Goswami said not enough stocks has been received from IFFCO and KRIBHCO.
He said these companies did not supply the required urea as import was less. He said to save the farmers from problems, the PCF purchased fertiliser and it would continue till January 31.