The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers plays an important role in ensuring food and drug security in the country. Along with Chemicals and Fertilizers, the Department of Pharmaceuticals also comes under this. In the last few years, India has emerged as a big player in the field of chemicals and fertilizers in terms of production in large quantities. In terms of quantity, India is the second largest fertilizer consumer in the world.
We use about 35 million tonnes of urea, of which about 10 million tonnes is imported. Reducing this dependence on fertilizer imports will remain a key priority for the government. The ministry has already started working towards setting up new urea plants, and efforts are also on to promote nano-urea.
India is considered the ‘pharmacy capital of the world’, and the Department of Pharmaceuticals has in recent years moved from volume-based growth to value-based growth in the global pharma market. The government is also working to reduce imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is a great initiative to encourage domestic production.
What needs to be done
Effective Fertilizer Supply/Management:
Amid reports of shortage of DAP (diammonium phosphate) during the Kharif season, Nadda will have to ensure timely supply of fertilizers. The second target will be to bring imports to zero.
Promotion of Nano-fertilizers:
After the success of Nano-Urea, the government launched Nano-DAP and planned to promote nano-fertilizers which contain more nutrients.
Decreasing API imports:
India is largely dependent on China for raw materials i.e. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs) for the production of medicines. New Indian companies should take advantage of PLI schemes to manufacture them
Dr. U.S. Awasthi: CEO & MD, IFFCO
expert opinion:
“There is a need to move faster in the fertilizer sector to realize PM Modi’s resolve of ‘self-reliant India'”
JP Nadda, Central Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Anupriya Patel, state Minister, 43 Years: Apna Dal