The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Prices of fertilizers tumble

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Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Prices of fertilizers tumble

Special Correspondent

Result of Central subsidy coming into force

Production is expected to pick up soon
Farmers urged not to resort to panic-buying

HYDERABAD: Much to the relief of farmers in the State, prices of 12 most sought-after complex fertilizers tumbled by Rs. 50-100 for a 50 kg. bag on an average as a result of the Central subsidy coming into effect on Wednesday.

The subsidy-induced price cut is expected to cool the farmers who are on warpath, resenting shortage of fertilizers and their high prices.

A fertilizer scarcity cropped up in the State following curtailment or stoppage of production by companies in anticipation of an announcement on Central subsidy.

‘Artificial’ scarcity

With the subsidy coming into force, the production is expected to pick up in the next few days leading to easing of ‘artificial’ scarcity.

As the subsidy is allowed based on percentage of nutrients in fertilizers, it has not ensured any reduction in the prices of urea, DAP, MOP and SSP.

The net gain to the farmer from the price cuts of 12 complex fertilizers ranged from a minimum of Rs. 43.84 a bag, in the case of 12:32:16, to a maximum of Rs. 119.39 for 17:17:17.

Uniform price

Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said as the transportation cost on moving fertilisers was met by the Centre, the prices would now be uniform all over the State. He asked Collectors and SPs to take stringent action if any trader/dealer sold fertilizer at a higher price or resorted to hoarding/blackmarketing. He instructed them to conduct surprise checks on stock points through flying squads. At the same time, Mr. Reddy appealed to farmers not to resort to panic-buying, as sufficient stocks were available.

Prices

The changed prices of 12 fertilisers are: 10:26:26 Rs. 374.24 per bag (old price Rs. 434.72); 12:32:16 Rs. 397.12 (Rs. 440.96); 14:28:14 Rs. 366.60 (Rs. 431. 60); 14:35:14 Rs. 425.62 (Rs. 450.32 ); 15:15:15 (Rs. 266.29 (Rs. 362.96); 16:20:0:13 Rs. 305.50 (Rs. 369.20); 17:17:17:Rs. 301.81 (Rs. 421.20 ); 19:19:19 Rs. 337.32 (Rs. 431.60); 20:20:00 Rs. 277.84 (Rs. 378.56); 20:20:0:13 Rs. 327.34 (Rs. 378.56); 23:23:00 Rs. 319.54 (Rs. 416) and 28:28:00 Rs. 389.01 (Rs. 472.16).

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