Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's latest book, "Fertilising the Future: Bharat’s March Towards Fertiliser Self-Sufficiency," provides a detailed account of India's transformative journey from the fertiliser import scam during the UPA era to achieving self-sufficiency under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to the book, the agricultural sector's resilience against global food and fertiliser crises is a testament to the Modi government's strategic interventions.
The book sheds light on the UPA's mismanagement, where the fertiliser sector became embroiled in kickbacks, with a particular focus on the years 2007 to 2014.
The scam involved individuals like Ratul Puri, nephew of Congress leader Kamal Nath, adding to the controversy surrounding AgustaWestland chopper and Moser Baer scams. Black marketing of urea was rampant during the Congress government, causing shortages in states like MP and Rajasthan.
Under the Modi government, significant measures were implemented to combat the fertiliser crisis. Over 22 crore soil health cards were distributed to farmers, providing essential information for efficient farming practices.
The introduction of more than 1700 seed varieties further enhanced agricultural productivity. The 'One Nation, One Fertiliser' initiative streamlined urea distribution, ensuring consistent quality across the country.
To address challenges, the government actively promoted the production and use of alternative fertilisers. India emerged as the first country globally to commence commercial production of nano urea, a noteworthy accomplishment in agricultural innovation.
An essential step taken was amending the new investment policy on October 7, 2014, encouraging new investments in urea production units. The government's commitment to supporting farmers amid rising global fertiliser prices led to an increase in subsidies, alleviating the burden on food providers.
Data presented in the book underscores India's progress in the fertiliser sector. Import of urea witnessed a continuous decline, marking the nation's journey towards self-sufficiency.
The reopening of closed urea factories, establishment of new production plants, and the development of nano urea contributed significantly to India's strides in achieving urea self-sufficiency. Remarkable efforts were also highlighted in the case of DAP, signalling the nation's commitment to becoming self-reliant in fertiliser production.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasised Prime Minister Modi's determination to shield Indian farmers from the impacts of global fertiliser crises.
Despite the increasing burden of subsidies on the government, Modi's unwavering commitment ensured that the country's food providers did not bear the brunt of rising fertiliser prices.
In essence, Mandaviya's book encapsulates India's resilience and progress in the fertilizer sector under the Modi government, showcasing the nation's dedication to agricultural self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.
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