With a view to ensuring equitable distribution of fertilisers, the government on Monday said it would review the policy of allowing fertiliser producers to sell production in the open market under the new pricing norms introduced by the NDA government.The ministry of fertilisers has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of SNPN Sinha, secretary, fertilisers to examine the issues pertaining to partial deregulation of fertiliser distribution which came into effect in 2003.Also, new chemicals and fertilisers minister Ram Vilas Paswan has ordered a review of the performance of Department of Fertilisers (DoF) and public sector undertakings.‘‘I am not taking a final decision now. I have asked the DoF officials to give me advantages and disadvantages of this policy. I am concerned that farmers in remote areas such as Bihar and North-Eastern region should get timely supply of fertilisers,’’ he said.A control room in the minister’s office has been set up to monitor the availability position of the fertilisers in all states. The previous government had allowed the fertiliser companies to sell 25 per cent of their production in the open market which was subsequently increased to 50 per cent with effect from last year.Also, Paswan has set up a grievance cell directly under him to address complaints of farmers. The officials have been directed to ensure timely supply of the fertilisers to the farmers and middle men, if any removed from the distribution system.He has also constituted a forum consisting of all members of Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), producers, state agriculture ministers and representatives of farmers to ensure smooth distribution and marketing of fertilisers in the country and also to ensure quality of fertilisers.He has asked the department to prepare a plan for ensuring that the present capacity of 200 lakh tonnes per annum is increased to 240 lakh tonne in next five years in line with target fixed for the 10th Plan period. He has invited private firms to restart some closed down fertiliser units.
