0.547 million tons of fertiliser being imported for Kharif 2012

The government plans to import 0.547 million tons of urea and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) to meet fertiliser demand during Kharif crop season. Of the total, 0.190 million tons of urea and 0.407 million tons of DAP is being imported.
Giving break-up, an official source on Tuesday said urea demand of the country for Kharif 2012 as determined in consultation with all stakeholders has been 3 million tons and supply position includes opening inventory 0.800 million tons, domestic production 2.29 million tons and the remaining needs would be met through import of 0.407 million tons. The total target is 3.497 million tons.
He said this will result in an expected ending inventory of urea equal to 0.497 million tons which shows that Urea availability situation in the country is satisfactory for Kharif 2012. The imports of 0.3 million tons had been approved by ECC to cater for unforeseen gas cuts and consequent shortages.
Regarding DAP requirement, the official said it is estimated to be 0.536 million tons for Kharif 2012 which is to be met as: opening inventory 0.177 million tons, domestic production 0.357 million tons and imports 0.19 million tons. The total DAP target is 0.724 million tons for this year.
He said DAP imports are undertaken by private sector which are being conducted smoothly according to the requirements of the country. It is expected that there would be a surplus of 0.187 million tons at the end of Kharif 2012 season. Replying to a question, the official said distribution of domestically produced fertiliser is monitored by provincial government while federal government monitors distribution of only the imported urea.
About the steps taken for equitable distribution of imported urea, he said National Fertiliser Marketing Limited (NFML), under Ministry of Industries supplies imported Urea to all provinces according to their consumption share. The NFML distributes Urea through dealership network consisting of 3000 dealers across the country. Further to ensure delivery of Urea at farmers doorstep, NFML has increased dealership network from 916 to 3000 and enhanced store network from 29 to 36 in the country.