Kochi: The Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Bill, 2022, introduced by the Central Government to regulate the price, the distribution network and the quality of fertilisers is likely to put an end to the large-scale use of mixed fertilisers in Kerala. The Bill gives importance to customised fertilizers, i.e., those with combination of nutrients based on soil condition and requirement of crop.
The use of customised fertilizer is not so popular in Kerala. Here mixed fertilizers are mostly used. At present, Kerala has more than 60 mixed fertilizer plants and their business is set to be hit once the legislation is enacted.
Almost 19 mixed fertilizer varieties in Kerala which are recommended by the Kerala Agriculture University and the State Agriculture Department.
Mixed fertilizers contain two or more of important elements, viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Different NPK mixtures are available for different crops so that good plant growth and high crop yields could be achieved.
The Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, had specified the conditions for the production of fertilizers. But the new Bill does not speak about mixed fertilizers.
The speciality of the customised fertilizer method is the use of different fertilizers in different areas based on the structure of soil in each area. This is much more a scientific method than the one based on mixed products. To produce mixed fertilizers, existing production units will have to invest a lot for setting up infrastructure like specialised lab facilities.
If the new law remains silent on mixed fertilizers, the production units will have to face the prospect of losing both registration and subsidies.
Stringent law to ensure good quality, fair price
The Bill proposes the setting up of an Integrated Plant Nutrition Management Authority. The main aim of the law is to ensure good quality fertilizers at a reduced rate.
The Bill contains provisions that will ban the production, sale and distribution of fertilizers that do not have lawful registration. There will be restrictions on misleading advertisements.
Those who sell fake fertilizer products will be awarded both jail sentences and fine. A permanent licence and nomination system will be introduced in the sector.
The Central Government has invited suggestions from the public with regard to the new Bill.
