The Centre has extended the import of urea through India Potash Limited for another year, until March 2024, according to a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Formerly, it was meant to be permitted until March 2023.
Aside from India Potash Limited, fertilizer imports are already permitted through Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers and National Fertilizers under the current policy.
Import of Urea (for agricultural purposes) on Government Account shall be permitted either by designated STEs directly or through any entity/entities (Fertilizer Marketing Entities) so authorized by the Department of Fertilizer from time to time, for filing BEs at Indian Ports," according to the notification issued on Wednesday. Get
export import data
However, the notification said that the import of Technical Grade Urea (TGU) for non-agricultural, industrial, or NPK Production applications would remain "free."
Meanwhile, Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, stated on Wednesday that the government has ample fertilizer stock for the forthcoming Kharif season and that fertilizers will be widely available to farmers across the country.
However Kharif crops are normally planted in June-July and harvested in October-November, and they are heavily reliant on rainfall. (ANI).