The proposed law empowers the government to set the maximum selling price of fertilizers and to control their quality and distribution
The proposed law empowers the government to set the maximum selling price of fertilizers and to control their quality and distribution
The association of micro-fertilizer manufacturers IMMA on Saturday welcomed the proposed law on plant nutrition management to regulate the sector, but also urged the government not to introduce a price control mechanism for micronutrients and specialty products.
The Indian Micro Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) said in a statement that it welcomes the 2022 Integrated Plant Nutrition Management (IPNM) Bill aimed at regulating the microfertilizer sector.
The IMMA said the aim of the proposed legislation should be to make it easier to do business.
However, it also called on the government to “control the prices of only those nutrients for which subsidies are given and not control the prices of micronutrients and specialty fertilizers”.
In February, the Department of Fertilizers presented the bill and solicited comments from all stakeholders.
The proposed law empowers the government to set the maximum selling price of fertilizers and to control their quality and distribution.
The bill aims to create an “Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Authority of India”.
On Friday, IMMA organized the third edition of the National Crop Nutrition Summit with all stakeholders including the government, industry associations, agricultural input companies, farmers and agricultural input traders.
“While the move is to be welcomed, the industry needs to start a constructive dialogue about this radical policy change and establish control mechanisms to ensure farmers receive quality agricultural inputs and fully understand the agro-economic benefits of using the new age fertilizers. said Rahul Mirchandani, President of IMMA.
RK Tewatia, Director of Agricultural Sciences, Fertilizer Association of India, said: “There is a need for different chapters in the IPNM Law 2022 for subsidized and unsubsidized fertilizers.”
The business facilitation provisions are essential in supporting the industry, he added.
Vice President Sameer Pathare said IMMA has three main areas of work – political advocacy in government, knowledge and skills, and training of staff and stakeholders across India.
Participants also suggested that standards for label claims for new innovative fertilizers need to be developed with a technical committee made up of representatives from micronutrient and specialty fertilizer manufacturers.
IMMA was formed in 1983 to represent the interests of micronutrient manufacturers across the country.
