NEW DELHI: In a sensational disclosure, government on Tuesday said the Urea sent to states for further distribution to farmers is being smuggled to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Ananth Kumar, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers replying to a question said enough fertilizers was provided by centre to states but it is being diverted for black marketing and smuggled to the neighbouring countries for huge profit.
Kumar said the government has capped Urea price to Rs. 5,360 per tonne, however in neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal the price of Urea is Rs. 22,000 per tonne.
“That is why it is being smuggled to Nepal and Bangladesh," Fertilizer Minister added.
Kumar indicated that problem was in Bihar and UP where loading and unloading of racks takes more time than usual.
“To load one rack it takes 9 hours and similar time is required for unloading the Urea. but UP and Bihar takes 60 hours. And, that is the reason we have sent them an advisory to carry out loading and unloading like any other states," Kumar further added while replying to a question of Jagdambika Pal.
The Minister also clarified that there was no shortage of Urea, DAP, MOP and NPK in the country and enough fertilizers-more than the demand- was given to states this month.
“The Urea demand across the country this month is about 13 Lakh Metric Tonnes. However, government has allocated 23 Lakh Metric tonnes to all the states," Kumar said adding that adding that NDA government was mulling to link the fertilizer subsidy under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme to prevent smuggling and diversion.