Islamabad: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain has directed fertilizer companies to set up an outlet in every district to facilitate the development of farmers and agriculture. This will ensure availability of fertilizers at fair prices.
This decision was taken at a meeting of the Fertilizer Control Committee chaired by the minister to review the availability and prices of fertilizers in the country. Secretary Industries & Production, Mr. Saif Anjum attended the meeting. The CEOs of Fauji Fertilizer Company, Engro Fertilizer Limited, Fatima Fertilizer Limited and Agritec Limited also attended the meeting.
The federal minister said the government has ensured full supply of gas to all fertilizer plants. All plants are operating at full capacity, resulting in buffer stocks for this season. All provinces should receive fertilizer supplies from companies smoothly.
The federal minister said Fuji Fertilizer Company had set up several model business centers last week, while the minister directed Engro Fertilizer Company to share proposals for setting up model business centers on priority. Farmers would be able to buy fertilizer at the original price from the centers and this initiative would end the manipulation of farmers. FFC will ensure that their direct selling stores are opened before the beginning of the Rabi season in all 72 districts.
The federal minister reiterated that the government is committed to protecting farmers from exploitation by middlemen and agencies. He ordered the provinces to take strict measures against hoarding and price manipulation. The committee expressed satisfaction with the availability of fertilizer stocks. The committee also sought suggestions from all stakeholders for Rabi season planning. The federal minister also directed the fertilizer manufacturers to decouple the sale of urea and DAP to facilitate farmers.
