Himachal: Shock to farmers and gardeners, subsidy on this fertilizer reduced by Rs 1,213 per bag
Where earlier the central government used to give subsidy of Rs 1,848 on a 45 kg bag of fertilizer, now it will be available only at Rs 635.
The central government has given a big blow to farmers and gardeners by reducing the subsidy on granular 12-32-16 fertilizer by Rs 1,213 per bag. Where earlier the central government used to give subsidy of Rs 1,848 on a 45 kg bag of fertilizer, now it will be available only at Rs 635. The Center has also issued guidelines to IFFCO officials regarding this. However, the prices of fertilizers ordered in the market or in recent times will not increase. On the other hand, along with the orders to end fertilizer subsidy, the Central Government has not even issued new rates. 12-32-16 fertilizer is one of the most expensive fertilizers. Its 45 kg bag is available to farmers for Rs 1,420.
In this, till now the Central Government gives a subsidy of Rs 1,848 and the State Government gives a subsidy of Rs 50. The total cost of one bag of fertilizer is Rs 3,318. Due to continuous subsidies, the central government is burdened with crores of rupees every year. To reduce this, while Nano DAP and Urea were launched in the market as alternatives, now the subsidy from the Center has been reduced from Rs 1,848 to Rs 635. The Center directly cut the subsidy by Rs 1,213. However, the state government will continue to provide subsidy of Rs 50 per bag.
Promotion of use of nano urea and DAP
Keep in mind that IFFCO has launched Nano Liquid Urea and DAP in the market a few months ago as an alternative to granular fertilizers that come in bags. IFFCO officials are also continuously appealing to the farmers to spray liquid fertilizer on the crops. However, destroying the trust that farmers have built on granular fertilizers is no less than a challenge.
Farmers worried due to not getting fertilizer before sowing
At present, farmers are busy sowing wheat, but the 12-32-16 fertilizer considered important for sowing has run out. Farmers are making rounds of IFFCO warehouses waiting for fertiliser. If officials are to be believed, a new consignment of fertilizer is expected to arrive in 10 days.
12-32-16 Subsidy on fertilizers has been reduced, but the situation is not clear whether it will affect the prices or not. Farmers should use more Nano Urea and DAP, which is environment friendly and will not burden the government with crores of rupees of subsidy. - Mashuk Ahmed, Regional Manager, IFFCO Una