Regional Beat — Chandigarh

DAP fertilizerChandigarh: Markfed which is a nodal agency for supplying fertilizers in the cooperative sector has created an all-time record...

DAP fertilizer
Chandigarh: Markfed which is a nodal agency for supplying fertilizers in the cooperative sector has created an all-time record in the sale of DAP fertilizer for the 1998-99 rabi crop, according to an official spokesman.In 1997-98, MARKFED sold 1.37 meteric tonnes of DAP during the Rabi season, in the current Rabi season, it has sold over 2 lakh meteric tonnes.

The spokesman said that the DAP shortage was to the extent of 20 per cent and it might worsen on account of private importers cancelling their contracts. Markfed had deputed its officers in Bombay and Orissa to give impetus of transportation of DAP to Punjab which resulted in breaking of the previous years record.

Loans
Chandigarh: C M Vasudev, Special Secretary (Banking) in the Union Finance Ministry, expressed concern over non-performing loans which are increasing the cost of credit. Inaugurating an exporters’ meet organised by the State Bank of India (SBI) here today in collaboration with the PHDCCI, Vasudev said that non-performing loans were severely affecting the credit policies of the banks. He urged the industry to help in the recovery of loans. Vasudev outlined the importance of increasing exports to earn foreign exchange. He appreciated the role of the SBI in the area of export promotion. K. K. Narula, chief general manager of the SBI, said the bank had opened specialised branches in north India to help exporters. The meet was attended by senior officers of the SBI and exporters from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.