The government has issued 12 thousands 814 show-cause notices to fertilizer dealers in the last seven months, as part of a nationwide crackdown on black marketing, hoarding, and quality violations. This was informed by the Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister J P Nadda in Rajya Sabha during the question hour.  He said more than 5 thousand show-cause notices and over three thousand licences have been cancelled for black marketing of fertilizer.

 

 

The Minister also informed that 687 show-cause notices and 202 licences have been cancelled for hoarding of fertilizer. Replying to a question on the fertilizer shortage, the Minister said the Centre has delivered fertilizer on time everywhere, but hoarding by dealers is a problem that States must deal with. He said 67 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer are in the stock, and 24 lakh metric tonnes will come in the next month.

 

 

Mr J.P. Nadda said that the government is currently monitoring fertilizer needs based on the Integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System, which is a transparent and real-time monitoring.

 

 

The Minister said the States should be in direct contact with the manufacturers, producers and exporters for the availability of fertilizer.

 

 

Mr Nadda said the state government should place their order on time to ensure availability during the season. Regarding diversion, hoarding and overpricing, he said States are empowered to take action against the distribution of sub-standard products.