In India, the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has had a record sale of fertilizers during lockdown period from April 1 - 22, 2020. 

 

During April 1 - 22, PoS sale of fertilizers to farmers was 10.63 lakh MT which is 32 percent higher than the last year sale of 8.02 lakh MT during the same period. In the same period, the dealers purchased 15.77 lakh MT fertilizers which is 46 percent higher than last year's sale of 10.79 lakh MT during the same period.

 

Despite a lot of movement restrictions due to national level COVID-19 lockdown, with the concerted efforts of the Department of Fertilizers, Railways, States and Ports, production and supply of fertilizers in the country is going on without hindrance. 

 

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, DV Sadananda Gowda said, "There is no problem with fertilizers. The state government has sufficient stock of the fertilizers." 

 

Gowda said his ministry is committed to ensure availability of fertilizers to the farmer community before the sowing time. 

 

On 17th April, 41 fertilizer rakes moved from plants and ports. This is the highest movement of fertilizers during lockdown period in a day. One rake carries 3,000 MT of load at a time. The production in fertilizer companies is going on in full capacity.

 

The Government of India Under Essential Commodities Act has allowed operation of fertilizers plants in the country so that the agriculture sector may not feel the heat of lockdown.