Lok Sabha Question No. 1986 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-03-14
Subject: Research Initiatives
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: DODDAALAHALLI KEMPEGOWDA SURESH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1986 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 14.03.2017

## Research Initiatives

## 1986.  SHRI D K SURESH:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  there  is  a  need  to  promote  ecofriendly micro-nutrients and pesticide coated slow release fertilizers to ensure reduction of Carbon footprint of Fertilizer sector in the country and if so, give details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken note of the need for research in the area of fertilizer  manufacturing  technology in the country and if so, the steps being taken in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government is taking any steps to encourage research for innovation in fertilizer products; and
- (d) if so, the achievements made so far, in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS, SHIPPING AND CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA)

(a) to (d): In order to promote research in the field of fertilizers, Indian Council for Fertilizers  and  Nutrient  Research  (ICFNR),  an  institution  exclusively  devoted  to promotion  of  research  in  fertilizer  sector  under  the  Department  of  fertilizers  has been set up on 16.09.2016. ICFNR  has a Governing Council under the chairmanship of Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and an Executive Committee under the chairmanship of Secretary (Fertilizers).  The terms of reference/ mandate of ICFNR is as under: -

- I. To  undertake/  promote  research  in  the  area  of  fertilizer  manufacturing technology,  use  of  raw  material  and  innovation  in  fertilizer  products  through partnership and  collaboration with various research  institutions, fertilizer industry and other stake holders.

- II. To examine and comprehensive deliberate R&D project proposals submitted by various R&D organizations/ Academic institutions, for suitable recommendations for funding.
- III. To play a supportive role for identifying and formulation long range technology plans  and  working out suitable  mechanism  for  adoption  of  indigenous processes.
- IV. To identify and promote eco-friendly micro-nutrients and pesticide coated slow release fertilizers and also to ensure reduction of Carbon footprint of Fertilizer sector and energy efficient operation.
- V. To  undertake  and  promote  research  in  bio  fertilizer  and  its  derivatives  with appropriate coating or blending so as to protect and increase soil fertility.
- VI. To undertake and promote research in organic fertilizer and its derivatives with suitable coating or blending so as to protect and increase soil fertility.
- VII. To  promote  dissemination  of  information  on  latest  developments  in  fertilizer sector and also to support new ideas and changes for effecting improvements in fertilizer industry.
- VIII. The centre will work in close collaboration with research institutions/ centres/ institutes  and  will  also  decide  and  disseminate  the  research  work  already undertaken by them.

ICFNR is at nascent stage, however, as a follow up action on the decision taken in the  first  meeting  of  its  Executive  Committee  held  on  23.12.2016,  three  sub-groups have been constituted to look into  specific proposals  relating  to  'Promotion  of  biofertilizers', 'Development of eco-friendly micro-nutrients and pesticide coated controlled release fertilizers' and 'Nano natural fertilizers' and submit their recommendations.

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