CM launches domestic fertiliser to boost crop production

Part of a joint venture of HIMFED, Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 19

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched a domestic liquid boronated calcium nitrate fertiliser — a joint venture of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing and Consumer’s Federation (HIMFED) and Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. (GSFC) — under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan here today.

The GSFC has introduced five products in Himachal — liquid boronated calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate, nutri plus, ammonium sulphate and boronated calcium — for farmers and horticulturists.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the GSFC for introducing the liquid boronated calcium nitrate fertiliser in the country, which was earlier being imported from other countries. He said the liquid fertiliser was a new concept as it would be prepared as per the requirements of different areas of the country.

The Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh was promoting organic farming in a big way to minimise the hazards of chemicals.

The tie-up between the GSFC and HIMFED would prove beneficial to farmers and increase the production, he said, adding that the state had over Rs 4,000 crore-worth economy of apple and these fertilisers would specifically benefit apple growers.

Urban Development and Cooperation Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said the state had about 4,400 cooperative societies and being an apex organisation, the HIMFED was promoting the cooperative sector in a big way. He urged the Chief Minister to approach the Union Government and neighbouring states to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertilisers to the state.

HIMFED chairman Ganesh Dutt said HIMFED had been suffering losses from many years but it had earned a net profit of Rs 1.11 crore in the last two years. He said efforts were being made to minimise the losses. He said HIMFED would set up more petrol pumps in the state, for which 10 places had already been identified. He urged the Chief Minister to fill up the vacant functional posts of different categories to ensure smooth functioning of HIMFED.

The chief managing director of GSFC, Arvind Aggarwal, said the agreement between the GSFC and HIMFED would give a new dimension to horticulture and agriculture sectors in Himachal Pradesh. He said the GSFC would provide fertilisers amounting to Rs 20 crore to Himachal Pradesh during current financial year and fertilisers amounting to Rs 31 crore during the next financial year.

HIMFED MD KK Sharma, vice chairman Rakesh Thakur, Shimla APMC vice chairman Naresh Sharma, Indian Fertilizers Association director general Satish Chandra and other senior officers and progressive farmers were also present on the occasion.