Efforts to set up petrochemical hubs to gain momentum: Ananth Kumar

Efforts to set up petrochemical hubs in Assam, Orissa and Tamil Nadu will be strengthened, according to Ananth Kumar, who took charge as Minister of Chemicals & Fertilisers yesterday. While stressing that policies will be framed to make the country self-reliant in fertiliser supply, Kumar said the present Government intends to place the farmer at the centre of the agriculture sector, the village and the country’s economy. The Minister said that first priority of his ministry is to ensure an adequate and timely supply of fertilisers to all farmers for the coming karif season. He added that the government is also planning to revive all closed urea plants.
 
The Minister pointed out that it will be an endeavour of his ministry to reduce cost of about 400 medicines by over 25% and make these generic and essential medicines easily available to the poor.
 
Nihal Chand also took charge as Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers yesterday.