New Delhi, March 27 Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda said on Friday that India has adequate reserves to provide fertilizers to farmers and there is no need to panic.
Responding to a supplementary question in the Lok Sabha on what steps the government is taking to ensure availability amid the ongoing West Asia war, Nadda said he had spoken to state agriculture ministers on Thursday and informed them about the availability of fertilizers.
"I want to assure the citizens of the country that the government has taken steps to ensure that fertilizer is available to farmers whenever required. We have sufficient reserves in place. There is not need to panic," the minister said.
In response to a supplementary question from Congress member Manish Tewari on whether the government is looking at newer markets for fertilizer imports, Nadda said that there are sufficient reserves for the Kharif season.
"We are also looking for diversification, new markets, and newer areas from where we will also get raw materials for fertilizers. We have framed our strategy to ensure fertilizer availability," Nadda said.
Disruption in shipping routes and the West Asia war have raised concerns over fertilizer imports. India is a major importer of fertilizers.