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Fertilizer Policy
·
At present, there are 30 urea units in the country out of which 27 urea units use Natural Gas (using either domestic gas/LNG or both) and remaining three urea units use Naphtha as feedstock. The MRP of urea is statutorily fixed by the Government of India and at present it is Rs. 5360/- per MT (exclusive of the Central/State Taxes), which includes Rs. 180/MT as dealer margin for private traders/PSUs & Rs. 200/MT for Co-operatives and Rs. 50/MT to retailers for acknowledging the receipt and reporting the stock in mFMS (iFMS) as additional incentive. An extra MRP of 5 % (of Rs. 5360/- per MT) is charged by fertilizer manufacturing entities on Neem Coated Urea. The difference between the delivered cost of fertilizers at farm gate and MRP payable by the farmer is given as subsidy to the fertilizer manufacturer/importer by the Government of India.
·
The following policies regarding subsidy payment to urea units were in place since 2003:
i.
New Pricing Scheme (NPS) - I for the period from 01.04.2003 to 31.03.2004.
ii.
NPS – II for the period from 01.04.2004 to 31.09.2006.
iii.
NPS – III for the period from 01.10.2006 to 01.04.2014.
iv.
Modified NPS – III for the period from 02.04.2014 to 31.05.2015
·
The current policies by which subsidy is being paid to urea units are as under:
v.
NPS-III and Modified NPS – III regarding compensation of fixed cost and variable cost e.g. the cost of bag, water charges & electricity charges to continue till further orders.
vi.
New Urea Policy – 2015 for the period 01.06.2015 to 31.03.2019 (Applicable for 25 gas based urea units).
vii.
Notification dated 17th June, 2015 – Applicable for Madras Fertilizers Limited- Manali Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (SPIC) - Tuticorin and Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (MCFL).
New Urea Policy (Applicable for 25 gas based urea units)
·
The New Urea Policy-2015 (NUP-2015) has been notified by Department of Fertilizers on 25th May, 2015, effective from 1st June, 2015 upto 31st March, 2019, with the objective of maximizing indigenous urea production, promoting energy efficiency in urea production and rationalizing subsidy burden on the government.
·
As per NUP – 2015, the preset energy norms for the 25 gas based urea units fixed during earlier policies have been mopped up and they are eligible to get the concession rate on the basis of revised energy norms fixed for each group from 1st June, 2015 to 31St March, 2018 which would be the simple average of pre-set energy norms of NPS-III and average actual energy consumption achieved during the years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 or the pre-set set energy norms of NPS-III, whichever is lower.
·
The urea units have been given target energy consumption norms to be achieved in the year 2018-19. For Group-I, target energy norms for the year 2018-19 is 5.5 G Cal/MT (except Tata Chemicals Limited-Babrala for which existing pre-set energy consumption norm of NPS-III i.e. 5.417 G Cal/MT will continue). For Group-II and Group-III, the target energy consumption norms for the year 2018-19 have been 6.2 G Cal/MT and 6.5 G Cal/MT respectively.
·
For production upto 100% re-assessed capacity (RAC), the 25 gas based urea units are entitled to get total cost of production of urea, which includes fixed cost and variable cost.
·
For production beyond RAC, the units are entitled for their respective variable cost and a uniform per MT incentive equal to the lowest of the per MT fixed costs of all the indigenous urea units subject to import parity price plus weighted average of other incidental charges which the government incurs on the imported urea. However, vide notification dated 7th April, 2017, a further amendment was incorporated for production of urea beyond RAC during 2016-17 such that units were entitled beyond their respective variable cost and a uniform per MT incentive equal to the lowest of the per MT fixed cost of all indigenous urea units subject to sum of import parity price, other incidental charges which the Government incurs on the import of urea and weighted average of Central Government levies of urea paid by the urea manufacturing units. Vide said amendment, it has been decided that in event of any fluctuation in Import Parity Price that would have adverse impact on the production beyond RAC by urea units, Department of Fertilizers is authorized to take appropriate decision in consultation with Department of Expenditure.
·
The compensation for other variable cost e.g. the cost of bag, water charges & electricity charges and fixed cost are determined in accordance with existing provisions of NPS-III and Modified NPS-III.
·
Five units namely MFL-Manali, MCFL-Mangalore, SPIC-Tuticorn, BVFCL-Namrup-II and BVFCL-Namrup-III are not covered under this scheme because these units are not connected to gas pipeline network in the country. As per NUP – 2015, Namrup-II and Namrup-III units of BVFCL are proposed to be closed and a new high efficiency unit will be installed, which will be dealt separately under their restructuring proposal. Till then, these two units will function under the provisions of Modified NPS-III.
For Naphtha based urea units
·
The three Naphtha based urea units viz., Madras Fertilizers Limited- Manali (CPSU), Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (SPIC) - Tuticorin and Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (MCFL) are governed by Policy Notification dated 17th June, 2015, which allows these units to operate urea production using Naphtha as feedstock till gas availability and connectivity to these three units either by gas pipeline or by any other means The Naphtha based urea units are entitled to get subsidy as per the following conditions:
(i) These units will be eligible for subsidy on the basis of the revised energy norms from the date of notification, which would be the simple average of pre-set energy norms of New Pricing Scheme (NPS) – III and lowest yearly specific energy consumption achieved during the years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 or the pre-set energy norms of NPS – III, whichever is lower.
(ii) The concession rate for these plants will be determined notionally on the basis of weighted average of the delivered cost of RLNG to recently converted plants after deducting state taxes (VAT, Entry tax) on RLNG or the cost of production of urea from Naphtha/FO after deducting state taxes levied on Naphtha/FO consumed for urea production (VAT, Entry tax) on Naphtha/FO, whichever is lower.
(iii) The compensation for other variable cost e.g. the cost of bag, water charges & electricity charges and fixed cost will be determined in accordance with existing provisions of NPS – III and Modified NPS – III.
New Investment Policy – 2012
·
The Government has notified New Investment Policy – 2012 on 2nd January, 2013 with the main objectives to facilitate fresh investment, make India self and reduce import dependency in urea sector. The salient features of NIP – 2012 are as follows:-
i.
The policy supports gas based plants only.
ii.
It has structure of a flexible floor and ceiling price calculated at delivered price of gas from US $6.5 to US $ 14/mmbtu.
iii.
The floor price has been determined at a Return on Equity (RoE) of 12% and the ceiling price at a RoE of 20%.
iv.
For Greenfield/Revival and Brownfield Projects, the floor and ceiling shall increase in tandem with increase in delivered gas price i.e. every USD 0.1/mmbtu increase in delivered gas price will increase the floor and ceiling by USD 2/MT upto delivered gas price of USD 14/mmbtu.
v.
Beyond delivered gas price of USD 14/mmbtu, only floor will be increased.
vi.
For Revamp Projects, floor and ceiling have been linked to delivered gas price of USD 7.5/mmbtu and floor and ceiling shall increase by USD 2.2/MT for every increase in delivered gas price of 0.1/mmbtu.
vii.
It supports revival of closed units.
viii.
It encourages investment by Indian industry in Joint Venture abroad in resource rich countries
ix.
The policy incentivizes units to produce urea in granulated or coated/fortified form to improve the efficiency in the use of Urea with additional amount of USD 10/MT allowed in floor and ceiling prices.
x.
For units in North Eastern states, the special dispensation regarding gas price that is being extended by GOI/State governments will be available to any new investment. Suitable adjustments will be made to applicable floor and ceiling price in case the delivered price (after allowing for special dispensation) falls below USD 6.5 per mmbtu, subject to approval of Ministry of Finance.
Amendment in NIP-2012
·
Vide notification dated 7th October, 2014, the following amendments were made in the New Investment Policy–2012 (NIP-2012):-
(i) Para 8.1 of NIP-2012 is replaced as follows:
‘Only those units whose production starts within five years from the date of this amendment notification will be covered under the policy. Subsidy will be given only upon domestic sale as at present for a period of 8 years from the date of start of production. Thereafter, the units will be governed by the urea policy prevalent at that time.’
(ii) To ensure seriousness/credibility of the project proponents under NIP-2012 and for timely execution of the projects, all the project proponents will be required to furnish Bank Guarantee (BG) of Rs. 300 crores for each project. The BG will be linked to milestones in the project cycle. Out of Rs. 300 crores, Rs. 100 crores of BG will be released after finalization of LSTK/ EPCA contractors and release of advance to the contractor’s account; Rs. 100 crores of BG will be released on completion of equipment ordering and supply to the site or midpoint of the project cycle, whichever is earlier; and the balance of Rs. 100 crores of BG on completion of the project. PSUs are, however, exempted from furnishing the BG.
(iii) A Committee of Secretaries comprising Secretary (Fertilizers), Secretary (Department of Expenditure), Secretary (MoPN&G), Secretary (Planning Commission) and Secretary (Agriculture) with Secretary (Fertilizers) as Chairman is constituted to take decisions on various issues which will arise during the implementation of NIP-2012.
Uniform Freight Policy
·
DOF announced the uniform freight policy (UFP) with effect from April 1, 2008 vide notification dated July 17, 2008 with an objective to ensure the availability of fertilizers in all parts of the country, especially distant/remote corners of the country. The freight subsidy is paid to the urea units for the transportation of urea from Plant/Port to the Block/District.
·
The slab-wise rates in respect of primary road movement for the year 2008-09 and escalated/de-escalated upto financial year 2015-16 have been notified by Department of Fertilizers.
·
Department of Fertilizers had also notified the Per Tonne Per kilometre (PTPK) rates upto financial year 2015-16 for road transportation in the case of secondary movement of fertilizers from unloading rake point to retail point.
1.1 Since independence, Government of India has been regulating sale, price and quality of fertilizers. For this purpose, Government of India has passed Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) under Essential commodity Act (EC Act) in the year 1957. In order to regulate the distribution of fertilizer, Movement Control Order was passed in 1973. No subsidy was paid on Fertilizers till 1977 except Potash for which subsidy was paid only for a year in 1977.
1.2 On the recommendation of the Maratha Committee, the Government had introduced Retention Price Scheme (RPS) for nitrogenous fertilizers in November 1977. Subsequently, RPS was extended to phosphatic and other complex fertilizers from February 1979 and to Single Super Phosphate from May 1982, which continued up to 1991. Later on, subsidy was also extended to imported phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilizers.
In early 1990s, the country was facing mounting fiscal deficit and there was an impending danger of foreign exchange crisis. In order to contain the subsidy burden, Government announced an increase of 40% in the price of fertilizers in July, 1991. Some of the fertilizers which were under the subsidy scheme were decontrolled. Subsequently, apprehending low consumption of fertilizer due to increase in prices and consequently, low agriculture productivity, Government rolled back 10% of increase in Urea price.
1.3 In December 1991, Government set up a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Fertilizer Pricing to review the existing methods of computation of retention prices for different manufactures of fertilizers and to suggest measures for reducing fertilizers prices without straining the exchequer. JPC submitted its report on 20th August 1992. The main conclusions and recommendations of the Committee were that the rise in subsidy was mainly due to increase in the cost of imported fertilizers, de-valuation of rupee in July 1991 and the stagnant farm gate prices from 1980 to 1991. The Committee did not favour total decontrolled of fertilizers but recommended decontrol of import based phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers along with a marginal 10% reduction in the consumer price of Urea.
2.1 Based on the recommendations of Joint Parliamentary Committee, Government of India decontrolled all Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers namely DAP, MOP, NPK complex fertilizers and SSP with effect from 25th August 1992 which were under Retention Price Scheme (RPS) since 1977 except Urea which continued to remain under RPS. Since subsidy was retained on the Nitrogenous fertilizers (Urea) while phosphatic fertilizers were decontrolled, the prices of phosphatic fertilizers in the market became comparatively high. As a result, production and consumption of nitrogenous fertilizers increased and consumption of P&K fertilizers decreased. This led to severe imbalance in consumption of nitrogenous, phosphatic and Potassic fertilizers. Fearing imbalance fertilization of the soil, un affordability by farmers due to increase in phosphatic and potassic fertilizer prices, Government of India announced ad hoc Concession Scheme for phosphatic and potassic fertilizers from Rabi 1992 to cushion the impact of price hike with a view to encourage balanced fertilizer consumption.
2.2 The basic purpose/objective of the Concession Scheme for P&K fertilizers has been to provide P&K fertilizers to the farmers at affordable prices so as to increase the food productivity in the country through balanced use of fertilizers. The concession scheme was also aimed at ensuring reasonable rate of return on the investments made by the entrepreneurs in the fertilizer sector.
2.3 Initially, the ad-hoc Concession Scheme was applicable on DAP, MOP, NPK Complex fertilizers. This scheme was also extended to SSP from 1993-94. Concession was disbursed to the manufacturers/importers by the State Governments during 1992-93 and 1993-94 based on the grants provided by Department of Agriculture & Cooperation(DAC).
2.4 During 1997-98, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation also started indicating an all India uniform Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for DAP/NPK/MOP. The responsibility of indicating MRP in respect of SSP rested with the State Governments. The Special Freight Subsidy Reimbursement Scheme was also introduced in 1997 for supply of fertilizers in the difficult areas of J&K and North-eastern States, which continued upto 31.3.2008. The total delivered cost of fertilizers being invariably higher than the MRP indicated by the Government, the difference in the delivered price of fertilizers at the farm gate and the MRP was compensated by the Government as subsidy to the manufacturers/importers.
2.5 Till 30th September 2000, the issues relating to fertilizer subsidy was being looked after by DAC and thereafter it was continued by Department of Fertilizers with changed parameters from time to time. The MRP of P&K fertilizers were revised on 28.2.2002, which continued upto 31.3.2010 in case of DAP and MOP. However, in case of complex fertilizers, the MRP was revised on 18.6.2008.
2.6 The MRP of SSP, which was used to be declared by the respective State Governments up to 30th April, 2008, was announced by DOF at Rs. 3400/MT uniformly all over the country. w.e.f.1.5.2008 to 30.9.2009 and subsidy on SSP was decided by DOF on monthly basis based the report of Cost Account Brach. MRP of SSP was left open w.e.f. 1.10.2009 to 30.4.2010 and a fixed of Rs. 2000 PMT was paid on SSP as subsidy.
3.1 The computation of subsidy on P&K fertilizers was based on Cost Price Study on DAP and MOP conducted by Bureau of Industrial Costs and Prices (BICP) now called Tariff Commission (TC). The subsidy rates were decided on the cost plus approach on quarterly basis w.e.f. 1.4.1999. The total delivered cost of the fertilizers being invariably higher than MRP indicated by the Government, the difference between delivered price of fertilizers at farm gate level and the MRP was compensated by Government in the form of subsidy.
3.2 The Government introduced a new methodology for working out subsidy on complex fertilizers w.e.f. 1.4.2002 based on the recommendation of TC. The complex manufacturers were divided into two groups based on feed stock for sourcing nitrogen i.e. Gas and Naphtha. With passage of time, DAP industry started using different raw materials such as Rock Phosphate for producing phosphoric acid. DOF framed a proposal suggesting methodology to link phosphoric acid price with international DAP price. The matter was referred to Expert Group under chairmanship of Prof. Abhijit Sen. The report of this Group was submitted in October 2005 and considered by Inter-Ministerial group. TC conducted fresh cost price study of DAP/MOP and NPK complexes and submitted its report in December 2007. Based on this TC report, the subsidy was calculated on monthly basis till 31.3.2010.
The MRP was fixed by the Government with effect from 1.4.1997 and the details of MRP fixed by the Government from 1997 to 31.3.2010 are mentioned in the table below:
Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of P&K fertilizers (in Rs. per Metric Tonne) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# |
Grades of Fertilizers |
1.4.97 |
29.2.00 |
28.2.02 |
28.2.03 |
12.3.03 |
18.6.08 |
28.2.00 |
27.2.02 |
27.2.03 |
11.3.03 |
17.6.08 |
31.3.10 |
||
1 |
DAP : 18-46-0-0 |
8300 |
8900 |
9350 |
9550 |
9350 |
9350 |
2 |
MAP : 11-52-0-0 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
9350 |
3 |
TSP : 0-46-0-0 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
7460 |
4 |
MOP : 0-0-60-0 |
3700 |
4255 |
4455 |
4455 |
4455 |
4455 |
5 |
16-20-0-13 |
6400 |
6740 |
7100 |
7300 |
7100 |
5875 |
6 |
20–20–0-13 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
6295 |
7 |
23–23–0-0 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
6145 |
8 |
10–26–26-0 |
7300 |
7880 |
8360 |
8560 |
8360 |
7197 |
9 |
12–32–16-0 |
7400 |
7960 |
8480 |
8680 |
8480 |
7637 |
10 |
14–28–14-0 |
7300 |
7820 |
8300 |
8500 |
8300 |
7050 |
11 |
14–35–14-0 |
7500 |
8100 |
8660 |
8860 |
8660 |
8185 |
12 |
15–15–15-0 |
6000 |
6620 |
6980 |
7180 |
6980 |
0 |
13 |
AS: 20.3-0-0-23 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
10350 |
14 |
20-20-0-0 |
6500 |
6880 |
7280 |
7480 |
7280 |
5343 |
15 |
28–28–0-0 |
8000 |
8520 |
9080 |
9280 |
9080 |
7481 |
16 |
17–17–17-0 |
7200 |
7680 |
8100 |
8300 |
8100 |
5804 |
17 |
19–19–19-0 |
7300 |
7840 |
8300 |
8500 |
8300 |
6487 |
18 |
SSP(0-16-0-11) |
MRP was fixed by respective State Governments upto April 2008. W.e.f. 1.5.2008 to 30.9.09 all India MRP of Rs. 3400 PMT fixed by Govt. W.e.f. 1.10.2009 to April 2010, MRP was open fixed by SSP units. |
5.1 The MRP of P&K fertilizers were much lower than its delivered cost. This led to increase in consumption of fertilizers during the last three decades and consequently increase in food grain production within the country. However, it was observed in last few years that the marginal response of agricultural productivity to additional fertilizer usage in the country had fallen sharply, leading to near stagnation in agricultural productivity and consequently agricultural production. The disproportionate NPK application, rising multi-nutrient deficiency and lack of application of organic manures leading to reduction in carbon content of the soil, was attributed to the stagnating agricultural productivity. The fertilizer sector worked in a highly regulated environment with cost of production and selling prices being determined by the Government of India. Due to this fertilizer industry suffered from low profitability as compared to other sectors. The growth of fertilizer industry was stagnated with virtually no investments for the past 11 years in urea sector and for over eight years in P&K sector. The fertilizer industry had no incentive to invest on modernization and for increasing efficiency. The innovation in fertilizer sector also suffered as very few products were introduced by fertilizer companies, since they get out priced by subsidized fertilizers. The industry had no incentive to focus on farmers leading to poor farm extension services, which were necessary to educate farmers about the modern fertilizer application techniques, soil health and promote soil test based application of soil and crop specific fertilizers.
5.2 The subsidy outgo of Government also increased exponentially by 500% during the past five years (2005-06 to 2009-10) under the Concession Scheme with about 94% of the increase caused by increase in international prices of fertilizers and fertilizer inputs, and only 6% attributable to increase in consumption.
5.3 It was, thus, observed that over the last few years the product based subsidy regime (erstwhile concession scheme) had been proving to be a losing proposition for all the stake holders viz farmers, industry and the Government. Accordingly, considering all the issues relating to agriculture productivity, balanced fertilization and growth of indigenous fertilizer industry, competitiveness amongst the fertilizer companies and to overcome the deficiency of concession scheme, the Government introduced Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy for P&K fertilizers w.e.f. 1.4.2010.
6.1 The Department is implementing NBS Policy for P&K fertilizers w.e.f. 1.4.2010. Under the NBS Policy, a fixed rate of subsidy (in Rs. per Kg basis) is announced on nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) by the Government on annual basis. The salient features of NBS Policy are as under:
6.2 The per kg NBS rate and per Metric Tonne subsidy on different grade of P&K fertilizers announced by the Government during the year 2010-11 to 2014-15 is as under:
Per Kg NBS rates for nutrients NPKS for the 2010-11 to 2014-15 (in Rs. per Kg) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients |
1st Apr - 31st Dec 2010 * |
1st Jan- 31st Mar 2011** |
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
2014-15 |
‘N’ (Nitrogen) |
23.227 |
23.227 |
27.153 |
24.000 |
20.875 |
20.875 |
‘P’ (Phosphate) |
26.276 |
25.624 |
32.338 |
21.804 |
18.679 |
18.679 |
‘K’ (Potash) |
24.487 |
23.987 |
26.756 |
24.000 |
18.833 |
15.500 |
‘S’ (Sulphur) |
1.784 |
1.784 |
1.677 |
1.677 |
1.677 |
1.677 |
** Excluding the secondary freight of Rs. 300/- PMT, which was being paid separately on per ton per Km basis.
Per MT subsidy on different grade of P&K fertilizers during the year 2010-11 to 2014-15 (in Rs. PMT) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sl. No. |
Fertilizer Grades(FG) (N P K S nutrient) |
2010-11 |
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
|
|
|
1.4.2010 to 31.12.2010 |
1.1.2011 to 31.3.2011 |
2013-14 |
2014-15
|
||||
|
DAP (18-46-0-0) |
16268 |
15968 |
19763 |
14350 |
12350 |
12350 |
2. |
MAP (11-52-0-0) |
16219 |
15897 |
19803 |
13978 |
12009 |
12009 |
3. |
TSP (0-46-0-0) |
12087 |
11787 |
14875 |
10030 |
8592 |
8592 |
4. |
MOP (0-0-60-0) |
14692 |
14392 |
16054 |
14400 |
11300 |
9300 |
5. |
SSP (0-16-0-11) |
4400 |
4296+200 |
5359 |
3676 |
3173 |
3173 |
6. |
16-20-0-13 |
9203 |
9073 |
11030 |
8419 |
7294 |
7294 |
7. |
20-20-0-13 |
10133 |
10002 |
12116 |
9379 |
8129 |
8129 |
8. |
20-20-0-0 |
9901 |
9770 |
11898 |
9161 |
7911 |
7911 |
9. |
28-28-0-0 |
13861 |
11678 |
16657 |
12825 |
11075 |
11075 |
10. |
10-26-26-0 |
15521 |
15222 |
18080 |
14309 |
11841 |
10974 |
11. |
12-32-16-0 |
15114 |
14825 |
17887 |
13697 |
11496 |
10962 |
12. |
14-28-14-0 |
14037 |
13785 |
16602 |
12825 |
10789 |
10323 |
13. |
14-35-14-0 |
15877 |
15578 |
18866 |
14351 |
12097 |
11630 |
14. |
15-15-15-0 |
11099 |
10926 |
12937 |
10471 |
8758 |
8258 |
15. |
17-17-17-0 |
12578 |
12383 |
14662 |
11867 |
9926 |
9359 |
16. |
19-19-19-0 |
14058 |
13839 |
16387 |
13263 |
11094 |
10460 |
17. |
Ammonium Sulphate (20.6-0-0-23) |
5195 |
5195 |
5979 |
5330
|
4686 |
4686 |
18. |
16-16-16-0 (w.e.f. 1.7.2010) |
11838 |
11654 |
13800 |
11169 |
9342 |
8809 |
19. |
15-15-15-9 (w.e.f. 1.10.2010) |
11259 |
11086 |
13088 |
10622 |
8909 |
8409 |
20. |
24-24-0-0 (from 1.10.10 to 29.5.12 and w.e.f. 22.6.2012) |
11881 |
11724 |
14278 |
10993 |
9493 |
9493 |
21. |
DAP Lite(16-44-0-0) (w.e.f. 1.2.11) |
NA |
14991 |
18573 |
13434 |
11559 |
11559 |
22. |
24-24-0-8 (wef 12.11.13 to 14.2.15) without subsidy on S |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
9493 |
9493 |
23. |
23-23-0-0 (upto22.6.2012) |
11386 |
11236 |
13686 |
10535 |
NA |
NA |
24. |
DAP 4S (w.e.f. 25.2.13 to 7.11.13) without subsidy on S |
NA |
NA |
NA |
14350 |
12350 |
NA |
25. |
DAP Lite-II(14-46-0-0) (w.e.f. 30.8.2011 to 29.8.2012) |
NA |
NA |
18677 |
13390 |
NA |
NA |
26. |
MAP Lite (11-44-0-0) (w.e.f. 30.8.2011 to 29.8.2012) |
NA |
NA |
17276 |
12234 |
NA |
NA |
27. |
13-33-0-6 (w.e.f. 30.8.2011 to 29.8.2012) |
NA |
NA |
14302 |
10416 |
NA |
NA |
NA means not covered under Subsidy regime.
Under the NBS Policy, a separate additional subsidy is also provided to the indigenous manufacturers such as M/s FACT, M/s MFL and M/s GNVFC producing complex fertilizers using Naphtha based captive Ammonia to compensate for the higher cost of production of ‘N’ for a maximum period of two years (upto 31.3.2012) during which the units are required to convert to gas or use imported Ammonia as feedstock. The quantum of additional subsidy will be finalized by Department of Fertilizers in consultation with DOE, based on study and recommendations by the Tariff Commission. The above said additional compensation has been extended beyond 31.3.2012 to 4.10.2013 for M/s FACT only and the proposal of extension of additional compensation beyond 31.3.2012 for M/s MFL & GNFVC is under consideration in the Department. Pending finalization of Tariff Commission’s Report, the Department has announced ad hoc rate of additional compensation to M/s FACT, M/s GNVFC & M/s MFL as under
Companies |
Fertilizer Products |
Amount of ad hoc additional compensation (Provisional) (in Rs. Per MT) |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Earlier (ref. circular dated 22.10.2010 |
Revised on 29.4.2011 (w.e.f. 1.4.2010) |
Further revised on 16.1.2014 (w.e.f. 1.4.2012 to 4.10.2013) |
||
FACT, Cochin |
20-20-0-13S |
2331 |
3121 |
5268 |
Amm. Sulphate (20.6-0-023) |
2792 |
3658 |
6343 |
|
MFL, Manali |
20-20-0-13S |
4784 |
5434 |
Under consideration |
17-17-17-0 |
4079 |
4640 |
||
GNVFC, Bharuch |
20-20-0-0 |
1914 |
2534 |
Our country is fully dependent on imports in Potassic sector and to the extent of 90% in Phosphatic sector in the form of either finished products or its raw material. Subsidy being fixed, any fluctuation in international prices has effect on the domestic prices of P&K fertilizers.
A Statement showing MRP of P&K fertilizers during the year 2010-11 to 2013-14 is at Annexure-I.
Under NBS policy companies are allowed to fix the MRP on their own. The intention behind introduction of NBS was to increase competition among the fertilizer companies to facilitate availability of diversified products in the market at reasonable prices. However, the prices of P&K fertilizers have gone up substantially and doubts have been raised about reasonableness of the prices fixed by the companies. The prices have gone up substantially on the account of increase in prices of raw materials / finished fertilizers in international market, depreciation of Indian rupee w.r.t US Dollar and also due perhaps to larger profit margins by the companies. This has lead to lot of hue and cry from the various quarters and has also lead to imbalance in use of fertilizers. Accordingly, in order to check the prices fixed by P&K companies, the Government vide notification dated 8.7.2011 directed the fertilizer companies to fix the prices of P&K fertilizers at reasonable level under the NBS regime.
6.5.1 In order to ensure reasonableness of prices fixed by fertilizer companies, while announcing the NBS Policy and rates for the year 2013-14, the following clauses have been incorporated in NBS Policy applicable with effect from 1.4.2012:
(i) It shall be mandatory for all the fertilizer companies to submit, along with their claims of subsidy, certified cost data in the prescribed format and as per the requirement for the purpose of monitoring of MRPs of P&K fertilizers fixed by the fertilizer companies.
(ii) In cases, where after scrutiny, unreasonableness of MRP is established or where there is no correlation between the cost of production or acquisition and the MRP printed on the bags, the subsidy may be restricted or denied even if the product is otherwise eligible for subsidy under NBS. In proven case of abuse of subsidy mechanism, DOF, on the recommendation of IMC may exclude any grade/grades of fertilizers of a particular company or the fertilizer company itself from the NBS scheme.
(iii) The reasonableness of MRP will be determined with reference to the MRP printed on the bags.
(iv) The companies shall continue to submit the certified cost data as per the requirement and direction of DOF from time to time. The companies shall also report MRPs of P&K fertilizers regularly to DOF.
(v) The P&K companies should have the same MRP printed on the bags as applicable for each State in FMS. In other words, there should not be any difference in MRP printed on the fertilizer bags and that reported in the FMS for a particular state.
(vi) The fertilizer companies henceforth will certify the correctness of MRPs of their products entered in FMS while claiming ‘On Account’ claims for a particular month and also ensure that the MRPs are updated in the FMS upto the date of submission of bill.
In order to monitor the prices of P&K fertilizers fixed by fertilizer companies, they have been asked to submit cost data of the P&K fertilizers under NBS scheme from 2012-13 onwards on six monthly basis. In order to collect actual farm gate prices of P&K fertilizers, the Department is evolving a mechanism in consultation with Department of Consumer Affairs and other concerned Organizations.
(a.) The freight subsidy for distribution/movement of subsidized P&K fertilizers (except SSP) under the NBS Policy w.e.f. 1.4.2010 to 31.12.2010 was restricted to the rail freight, whereas the secondary freight (from rake point to districts) was assumed to be part of the fixed subsidy. Freight reimbursement on account of direct road movement was made payable as per the actual claim subject to the equivalent rail freight upto a maximum of 500 Kms.
(b.) W.e.f. 1.1.2011 to 31.3.2012, freight on account of Primary Movement (by rail from the plant or the port to various rake points) and Secondary Movement (by road from nearest rake points to the block headquarters in the Districts) of all P&K fertilizers (except SSP) was reimbursed as per the Uniform Freight Subsidy policy applicable to urea during the period. Freight subsidy for Direct Road Movement (by road from plant or port to blocks) of all P&K fertilizers (except SSP) was reimbursed as per actual claim subject to the equivalent rail freight upto a maximum of 500 Kms. The rates for reimbursement of freight for direct road movement from 1.4.2010 to 31.3.2012 were as under:
Movement(K.M.) |
Rates Rs. per MT |
---|---|
Upto 100 |
108 |
101-200 |
183 |
201-300 |
256 |
301-400 |
327 |
401-500 |
400 |
(c.) W.e.f. 1.4.2012, freight subsidy for P&K fertilizers is as under:
(i) Freight on account of Primary Movement of all P&K fertilizers (except SSP) is reimbursed on the basis of actual rail freight, as per the railway receipts.
(ii) No reimbursement on account of Secondary Movement of all P&K fertilizers (including SSP), is provided.
(iii) Freight subsidy for Direct Road Movement of all P&K fertilizes (excluding SSP) is reimbursed as per the actual claims subject to equivalent rail freight to be announced by DOF time to time. However, the maximum allowable distance under the direct road movement shall be 500 KMs.
(iv) Special compensation on account of Secondary movement for all P&K fertilizers (except SSP) is provided for difficult areas namely Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, J&K, 7 North Eastern states and A&N Islands.
(a.) P&K Fertilizers except SSP: 85% (90% with Bank Guarantee) of the subsidy claims of fertilizer companies is paid as ‘on account’ payment on receipt of fertilizers in the district on certification by the Company’s Statutory Auditor. The balance 15-10% is released on State government’s certification of quantity in m-FMS and fertilizer receipt confirmation by retail dealers through mobile Fertilizer Monitoring System (m-FMS).
(b.) SSP: 85% (90% with Bank Guarantee) of the claim of subsidy is paid as ‘on account’ payment on 1st point sale of fertilizers in the districts on certification by the Company’s Statutory Auditor. The balance 10-15% claim is released subject to State Government’s certification on quantity and quality in m-FMS as well as fertilizer receipt confirmation by retail dealers through m-FMS.
After decontrol of P&K fertilizers, Concession Scheme for SSP was introduced w.e.f. 1993- 94, which continued on ad-hoc basis for concession upto 30.4.2008. After the transfer of the administration of the Concession Scheme from Department of Agriculture & Cooperation to DOF w.e.f. October 2000, DOF revised the guidelines. Accordingly, a Technical Audit and Inspection Cell (TAC) under the aegis of PDIL was constituted vide guidelines dated 17.5.2001. The SSP manufacturers were required to use only those grades of Rock Phosphate, which has been notified by DOF from time to time, for claiming payment of concession. All the new SSP manufacturing units were required to undergo first time technical inspection of the units to ascertain their technical competence to manufacture SSP of the standards laid down under the FCO. Subsequently, the units were also required to undergo six monthly inspection to ascertain as to whether the units are working as per the tenets of the Concession Scheme.
The units were allowed to claim 85% 'On Account' payment of concession to be settled subsequently by DOF based on the certification of sales issued by the State Governments in prescribed Proforma 'B'. This practice has also been allowed to continue till date though the other policy parameters for SSP have been changed from time to time.
The Government vide notification dated 25.8.2008 revised the Concession Scheme for SSP w.e.f. 1.5.2008, which continued upto 30.9.2009. As per this policy, Department of Fertilizers announced All India MRP at Rs. 3400 PMT in place of the earlier system of indicating MRP by each State. As per the policy-dated 25.8.2008, the concession rates were announced month-wise separately for SSP based on the imported Rock Phosphate and that based on indigenous Rock Phosphate. The Concession was escalated/ de-escalated based on the rise/fall of the prices of the raw materials of Rock Phosphate, Sulphur and also the exchange rate. In order to ensure quality of SSP, the SSP manufacturers are required to produce a certificate of quality issued by the State Governments in which the units are located. The units are required to write/print "Quality Certified" on each bag of the SSP.
The Department vide notification dated 13.8.2009 further revised concession scheme for SSP policy which was effective from 1.10.2009 to 30.4.2010. As per this policy, the Government decided to leave the selling price of SSP open w.e.f. 1.10.2009 instead of the earlier MRP of Rs. 3400 PMT on all India basis and provided ad hoc concession for an amount of Rs. 2000 PMT for powdered, granulated and boronated SSP. Only those SSP manufacturers were allowed to claim subsidy, which produced 50% of the annual installed capacity or 40,000 MTs per annum. The system of releasing 'On Account' as well as balance payment of concession continued as it was.
W.e.f. 1.5.2010, the Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy has also been extended to SSP.
The rate of subsidy and MRP of SSP during the year 1993-94 to 2014-15 is as under:
Period |
Rate of Subsidy |
MRP (in Rs. PMT |
---|---|---|
Under Concession Scheme |
||
1993-94 to 2007-08 |
Different amount of subsidy |
Upto 30.4.2008, MRP was fixed by respective State Governments for sale of SSP within their State |
2008-09 (1.5.2008 to 30.9.2009) |
Month-wise subsidy announced by GOI as mentioned below Table-A
|
W.e.f. 1.5.2008 to 30.9.2009, All India MRP of Rs. 3400 PMT |
2009-10 (1.10.2009 to 30.4.2010) |
Rs. 2000 PMT |
W.e.f. 1.10.2009 to 30.4.2010, MRP open |
Under NBS scheme |
||
May 2010 to Dec.2010 |
4400 |
MRP under control as per MOU (Rs. 3200 per MT) |
Jan. 2011 to March 2011 |
4296+Rs. 200 freight |
|
April 2011 to March 2012 |
5359 |
open MRP w.e.f. 3.5.2011 |
April 2012 to March 2013 |
3673 |
open MRP |
April 2013 to March 2014 |
3173 |
open MRP |
April 2014 to March 2015 |
3173 |
open MRP |
Table A
Rate of Concession for SSP for the period May 2008 to September 2009 under Concession Scheme for SSP (Policy Notification No. 22011/4/2007-MPR dated 25.8.2008 was based on report of Cost Account Branch 2004) (Fixed all India MRP of Rs. 3400/- PMT and month-wise concession applicable for imported and indigenous Rock) |
||
---|---|---|
Month/year |
Rates of Concession based on Imported Rock Phosphate (Rs. PMT) |
Rates of Concession based on Indigenous Rock Phosphate (Rs. PMT) |
May, 2008 |
6406 |
4587 |
June, 2008 |
8942 |
5383 |
July, 2008 |
9160 |
5674 |
August, 2008 |
10391 |
6776 |
September, 2008 |
11661 |
6990 |
October, 2008 |
13003 |
5823 |
November,2008 |
7914 |
3070 |
December, 2008 |
8965 |
2012 |
January, 2009 |
8075 |
1967 |
February, 2009 |
7503 |
1961 |
March, 2009 |
5870 |
1944 |
April, 2009 |
2927 |
1873 |
May, 2009 |
2709 |
2006 |
June, 2009 |
2453 |
1982 |
July, 2009 |
2510 |
1986 |
August 2009 |
1951 |
2331 |
September 2009 |
2251 |
2295 |
The Government of India has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA) and has notified Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 (FCO) under this Act. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of the State Governments to ensure the supply of quality of fertilizers by the manufacturers/importers of fertilizers as prescribed under the FCO under the ECA. As per the provision of the FCO, the fertilizers, which meet the standard of quality laid down in the order can only be sold to the farmers. There are 71 fertilizer testing laboratories including four laboratories of the Government of India at Faridabad, Kalyani, Mumbai and Chennai with an annual analyzing capacity of 1.34 lakh samples. The quality of the fertilizers imported in the Country is invariably checked by the fertilizer quality control laboratories of the Government of India.
The State Governments are adequately empowered to draw samples of the fertilizers anywhere in the Country and take appropriate action against the sellers of Non- Standard fertilizers. The penal provision includes prosecution of offenders and sentence if convicted up to seven years imprisonment under the ECA, 1955 besides cancellation of authorization certificate and other administrative action. The Department of Fertilizers make deductions along with penal interest on the quantity of the fertilizers for which the State Governments have reported to be Non- Standard.
Payment of concession for P&K fertilizers and for Single Super Phosphate (SSP) is made by the Department taking into account the certificate of quality given by the respective State Governments in Proforma 'B' for the fertilizers received and sold in the State. Further, SSP units are required to produce month-wise 'Quality Certificates' issued by the State Governments of the State in which the units are located. The units are required to have well equipped laboratory to test the sample of its SSP.
The SSP units are also required to print 'Quality Certified' on each bag released in the market. DOF also deputes PDIL to conduct first time technical inspection of the new SSP units. PDIL conducts six monthly inspections of the SSP units to check the quantity and quality of the fertilizers for which the units are claiming payment of subsidy. The units are also required to use only those grades of Rock Phosphate as inputs for manufacturing SSP under the NBS, which are notified by DOF from time to time. A statement showing the notified grades is at Annexure-XIII. DOF has also asked the State Government to constitute teams with that of PDIL to test samples of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) at the retailer level. The marketers of the SSP are also responsible for the quality of the fertilizer marketed by them. Department of Fertilizers has also constituted vigilance teams of the Officers of the Department to check the availability and quality of the fertilizers in the States.
(in Rs. Crore.)
Year |
Subsidy on P&K fertilizers |
Subsidy Regime for P&K fertilizers |
Subsidy on Urea |
Subsidy Regime for urea fertilizer |
Total subsidy outgo (P&K and Urea) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2005-06 |
6596.19 |
Concession Scheme |
12793.45 |
New Pricing Scheme |
19389.64 |
2006-07 |
10298.12 |
17721.43 |
28019.55 |
||
2007-08 |
16933.80 |
26385.36 |
43319.16 |
||
2008-09 |
65554.79 |
33939.92 |
99494.71 |
||
2009-10 |
39452.06 |
24580.23 |
64032.29 |
||
2010-11 |
41500.00 |
NBS regime |
24336.68 |
65836.68 |
|
2011-12 |
36107.94 |
37683.00 |
73790.94 |
||
2012-13 |
30576.10 |
40016.00 |
70592.10 |
||
2013-14 |
29426.86 |
41853.30 |
71280.16 |
||
2014-15 (BE) |
24670.30 |
47400.00 |
72070.30 |
In order to have better results in implementation of NBS Policy, the Department has assigned the task of study of impact of NBS policy to a consultancy firm namely M/s Ernst & Young(EY). The key focus areas of the Study are as under:
(i) Impact of NBS Policy on prices and availability of fertilizers in India.
(ii) Impact of NBS Policy on balance fertilization of soil and its impact on agricultural productivity.
(iii) Mechanism to ascertain ‘reasonability’ of MRP.
(iv) Identification of additional mechanism under NBS policy to make it more effective in achieving its objectives.
(v) Monitoring and regulation of prices.
(vi) Price Discovery and Fixation of Prices.
The report received from M/s EY has been circulated to concerned Ministries for their comments. The Department will take appropriate measures in this regard after examination of comments received from concerned Ministries/Departments and stake holder companies.
Highest Maximum Ratail Price (MRP) in Rs/MT of P&K fertilizers fixed by the fertilizer companies under the Nutrient Based Subsidy regime | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
# | Grades of Fertilizers | 10-11(Qtr. Wise) | 11-12(Qtr. Wise) | 2012-13(Qtr. Wise) | 2013-14 (Qtr. Wise) | ||||||||||||
I | II | III | IV | I | II | III | IV | I | II | III | IV | I | II | III | IV | ||
1 | DAP : 18-46-0-0 | 9950 | 9950 | 9950 | 10750 | 12500 | 18200 | 20297 | 20000 | 24800 | 26500 | 26500 | 26500 | 26520 | 25000 | 24607 | 24607 |
2 | MAP : 11-52-0-0 | 9950 | NA | NA | NA | 18200 | 20000 | 20000 | 20000 | 24200 | 24200 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | |
3 | TSP : 0-46-0-0 | 8057 | 8057 | 8057 | 8057 | 8057 | 8057 | 17000 | 17000 | 17000 | NA | NA | 17000 | NA | 17000 | 17000 | NA |
4 | MOP : 0-0-60-0 | 5055 | 5055 | 5055 | 5055 | 6064 | 11300 | 12040 | 12040 | 16695 | 23100 | 24000 | 18750 | 18638 | 17750 | 17750 | 17750 |
5 | 16-20-0-13 | 6620 | 6620 | 6620 | 7200 | 9645 | 14400 | 15300 | 15300 | 15300 | 18200 | 18200 | 18200 | 17280 | 17710 | 17510 | 17010 |
6 | 20–20–0-13 | 7280 | 7280 | 7395 | 8095 | 11400 | 14800 | 15800 | 15800 | 19000 | 24800 | 19176 | 24800 | 20490 | 19166 | 23500 | 23500 |
7 | 23–23–0-0 | NA | NA | NA | 7445 | 7445 | 7445 | Excluded from NBS Policy | |||||||||
8 | 10–26–26-0 | 8197 | NA | 8300 | 10103 | 10910 | 16000 | 16633 | 16386 | 21900 | 22225 | 22225 | 22225 | 22213 | 22200 | 21160 | 21160 |
9 | 12–32–16-0 | 8637 | 8237 | 8637 | 9437 | 11313 | 16400 | 16500 | 16400 | 22300 | 23300 | 22500 | 24000 | 23300 | 23300 | 21475 | 21105 |
10 | 14–28–14-0 | NA | NA | NA | NA | 14950 | 17029 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | |
11 | 14–35–14-0 | NA | NA | NA | 9900 | 11622 | 15148 | 17424 | 17600 | 17600 | 23300 | 23300 | 23300 | 23300 | 23300 | 21810 | 21810 |
12 | 15–15–15-0 | NA | NA | NA | 7421 | 8200 | 11000 | 11500 | 11500 | 13000 | 15600 | 15600 | 15600 | 15600 | 15150 | 15150 | 15150 |
13 | AS: 20.3-0-0-23 | 8600 | 8600 | 7600 | 8700 | 7600 | 11300 | 10306 | 10306 | 11013 | 11013 | 11013 | 11013 | 11106 | 11106 | 11184 | 11689 |
14 | 20-20-0-0 | 5943 | NA | 6243 | 7643 | 9861 | 14000 | 15500 | 18700 | 18700 | 24450 | 24450 | 18500 | 15561 | 15262 | 18000 | 18000 |
15 | 28–28–0-0 | NA | NA | NA | 11181 | 11810 | 15740 | 18512 | 18700 | 24720 | 24720 | 23905 | 23905 | 23905 | 23410 | 21907 | 21907 |
16 | 17–17–17-0 | 17710 | 20427 | 20522 | 20572 | 20672 | 20672 | 22947 | 24013 | 23231 | |||||||
17 | 19–19–19-0 | 18093 | 19470 | 19470 | 19470 | NA | NA | 0 | 20915 | 20915 | |||||||
18 | SSP(0-16-0-11)* | 3200 | 3200 | 3200 | 3200 | 3200 | 4000 to 6300 | 6500 to 7500 | 6200-9900 | 9270 | 10300 | 9270 | |||||
19 | 16-16-16-0 | 7100 | 7100 | 7100 | 15200 | 15200 | 15200 | 18000 | 18000 | 17000 | |||||||
20 | DAP lite (16-44-0-0) | NA | 11760 | 17600 | 19500 | 19500 | 19500 | 24938 | 24938 | 24938 | 24938 | 23875 | 22900 | 22000 | |||
21 | 15-15-15-09 | 6800 | 9300 | 12900 | 15750 | 14851 | 15000 | 15000 | 15000 | NA | NA | 0 | 15670 | ||||
22 | 24-24-0-0 | 7768 | 9000 | 11550 | 14151 | 14297 | 14802 | 16223 | 16223 | 18857 | 18857 | 17896 | 17896 | 17896 | |||
23 | 13-33-0-6 | 16200 | 17400 | 17400 | 17400 | 17400 | 17400 | Excluded from NBS Policy | |||||||||
24 | MAP lite (11-44-0-0) | 16000 | 18000 | 18000 | 18000 | 21500 | 21500 | ||||||||||
25 | DAP lite-II(14-46-0-0) | 14900 | 18690 | 18300 | 18300 | 24800 | 24800 | ||||||||||
MRP is exclusive of Taxes | |||||||||||||||||
Fertilizers grade mentioned at Sr No 7,23,24,25 are not under subsidy scheme presently. | |||||||||||||||||
Blank space/NA means not available in the market/not under subsidy scheme. |