Title: Requested for the intervention of the Minister of Chemical and Fertilizer in reviving the public sector fertilizer manufacturing units at Haldia and Durgapur of West Bengal.
(TAMLUK): Sir, I rise to raise an issue not only of public importance but also of national importance. The Government of India is very indifferent to the cause of the public sector fertiliser factories in this country… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Tiwari, I am on my legs. Shri Ramanand Singh, please take your seat.
SHRI LAKSHMAN SETH : Sir, the Government of India is totally indifferent towards the revival of the fertilizer factories in this country. Fertilizer is an important component for the growth of agriculture in this country. The Government is planning to set up a fertilizer factory at Oman and fertilizer would be imported from that country. Such an act would ruin the indigenous fertilizer industries and they would either be closed down or would become sick.
Sir, the Government of India has not declared any fertilizer policy. This is very important for the millions of agricultural workers who are working in the agriculture sector. Growth of agriculture is key to our economic development. A few days back, the BIFR has issued winding up notices to a few public sector fertilizer units, including the Haldia unit and the Durgapur unit of HFC.
Sir, I seek the intervention of the hon. Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers in regard to the revival of the public sector fertilizer units. Presently, there are no
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urea producing plant in the State of West Bengal. The Durgapur unit has been closed down and the unit at Haldia would also be closed. I seek the intervention of the hon. Minister in the matter so that the public sector fertilizer units at Haldia and Durgapur could be revived. This is very important for the growth of agriculture in the country.
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Sir, these are very important issues of important public sector undertakings manufacturing fertilizers. Urea is a necessity for the survival of agricultural in this country. But nothing is being done in this regard. The Government is totally indifferent. The factories are either getting sick or are being closed down. Now fertilizer would have to be imported from foreign countries at whatever cost they want and what is the Government doing? It is just sitting quiet … (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Sir, seven fertilizer factories have been closed down… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Nothing except, what Shri Vishnu Datt is speaking, would go on record. (Interruptions) …*
MR. SPEAKER: You are not allowing others to speak. They also are Members of this House. (Interruptions)
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