UP farmers facing shortage of fertilisers may get respite as the Centre has permitted the state government to import the same directly.
Managing Director of Pradeshik Cooperative Federation (PCF) R P Goswami told PTI that less supply of fertiliser of about 50-70 per cent than the expected quota from Centre had deepened the crisis in the state.
He, however, said that with the Centre permitting direct import of fertiliser, there was hope of some respite.
Goswami said the state government had sought direct supply of 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 has not been granted so far.
"If permission is granted then 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 has been floated on January 16 and the state government planned to import 5 lakh tonne 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 the same on time. The government is making all efforts for timely availability of fertilisers," PCF Chairman Aditya Yadav said.
Goswami said that 16.9 lakh tonnne urea was required in the state against which only 7.86 lakh tonne was received from the centre with only one month left for Rabi crop.
He said similarly against 13 lakh tonne DAP, only 8.6 lakh 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.
