Ministry Faces Budget Challenge for Chemical Fertilizer Supply
Summary
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment says it is facing a major budget challenge to ensure uninterrupted chemical fertilizer supply for the upcoming season. Officials estimate about Rs 59 billion will be needed for subsidies as fertilizer prices rise, while complaints continue that government-subsidized fertilizer is not reaching actual farmers.
Key Points
- The ministry says it will try to avoid any shortage of chemical fertilizer in the next season, but subsidy costs have become difficult to manage.
- Secretary Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra told a parliamentary committee that around Rs 59 billion may be needed to cover fertilizer subsidies.
- The ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and considering greater private-sector participation and new supply and distribution methods.
- Officials acknowledged complaints that subsidized fertilizer is not reaching real farmers because of weaknesses in the distribution system.
