GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 528

ANSWERED ON:11.11.2010

DIRECT SUBSIDY TO FARMERS

RAJIV RANJAN (LALAN) SINGH 

(a)whether the Government has finally adopted the policy of providing direct subsidy on fertilizers to farmers;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the percentage of subsidy planned for the farmers;

(d)the number of small and marginal farmers likely to be benefited under such plan in the country, particularly in Orissa, state-wise;

(e) whether the Government has decided to issue smart cards under this policy; and

(f)if so, the number of phases in which this scheme is proposed to be implemented indicating the areas to be covered in each phase and the time to be complete all these phases ?

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERSbe pleased to state:- 

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

(SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)

(a) to (f): The Government is appointing the National Institute of Smart Governance (NISG), to advise the Department of Fertilizers in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for examining the feasibility of transferring subsidy on fertilizers directly to farmers, as also to undertake a pilot/proof of concept study on the subject in 50-70 blocks of the country. Initially, the study will focus on monitoring the availability of fertilizers at the farm gate level and the DPR is expected to analyze the feasibility of transferring subsidy to farmers. The Consultant, NISG will advise the Government on the best solution when the Detailed Project Report is prepared.