opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: National Medicinal Plants Board
Ministry: AYURVEDA,YOGA & NATUROPATHY,UNANI,SIDDHA AND HOMEOPATHY (AYUSH)
Asked by: Gomati Sai

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AYUSH

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  † 1416 ANSWERED ON 10 TH  FEBRUARY, 2023

## NATIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS BOARD

## †1416  SHRIMATI GOMATI SAI:

Will the Minister of AYUSH be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the National Medicinal Plants Board is functioning in the country indicating its terms of reference;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to promote Ayurveda medicinal substances;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF AYUSH (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a): The Government of India has set up National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in year 2000 to promote and develop the medicinal plants sector.  The primary mandate of NMPB is to develop an appropriate mechanism for coordination between various Ministries / Departments / Organizations in the country and implements, support policies / programs for overall (conservation, cultivation, trade and export) growth of medicinal plants sector both at the Central / State and International level.

(b) & (c): The medicinal plants  are  the  main  ingredients  of  the  Ayurvedic  medicines  and  to promote  the  medicinal  plants  sector  and  make  their  raw  material  availability  for  Ayurvedic medicines, the NMPB since its inception has been implementing various schemes and activities on medicinal plants throughout the country.

Presently, NMPB is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and  Sustainable  Management  of  Medicinal  Plants .  Under  the  scheme  project  based  support  is provided for following activities on medicinal plants:

-  In-situ Conservation, Resource Augmentation in Forest Areas
-  Support  to  Joint  Forest  Management  Committees  /  Panchayats  /  Van  Panchayats  / Biodiversity Management Committees / Self Help Groups etc. for livelihood generation
-  Ex-situ Conservation
-  Establishment of Herbal Garden
-  Information, Education and Communication (IEC)
-  Research & Development etc.

The  above  activities  are  implemented  through  various  agencies  such  as  Regional  Cum Facilitation Centres (RCFCs) / State Medicinal Plants Boards (SMPBs) / State Forest Departments / Research Councils such as Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) etc. and other Non-Governmental Organization on project mode as per operational guidelines of Central Sector Scheme.

(d): Does not arise

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1414 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Bulk Drug Parks
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Arun Sao, Sudhakar Tukaram Shrangre, Ranjeetsingh Naik Nimbalkar, Devji Mansingram Patel, Saikia Dilip, Devendrappa Y

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1414 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 10 th  February, 2023

## Bulk Drug Parks

## 1414.  SHRI ARUN SAO:

SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:

SHRI RANJEETSINGH HINDURAO NAIK NIMBALKAR:

SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA:

SHRI Y. DEVENDRAPPA:

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

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up Bulk Drug Parks across the country;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  places  identified  for  the  said  purpose  including Chhattisgarh; and
- (c)  the  steps  taken/proposed  to  be  taken  by  the  Government  to  bring  down  the  cost  of manufacturing of bulk drugs by creation of world class common infrastructure facilities in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a)  to  (c):  The  Government's  Scheme  for  Promotion  of  Bulk  Drug  Parks  aims  to  facilitate setting up of three (3) Bulk Drug Parks in the country. The total financial outlay of the scheme is  Rs.  3000 crore and the tenure of the Scheme is from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The financial assistance by the centre is subject to a maximum limit of Rs.1000 Crore per park or 70% of the project cost of CIF (90% in case of North Eastern States and Hilly States), whichever is less.

Under the scheme, the Department had received proposals from 13 States viz, (i) Uttar Pradesh  (ii)  Tamil  Nadu  (iii)  Telangana  (iv)  Karnataka  (v)  Maharashtra  (vi)  Gujarat  (vii) Madhya Pradesh (viii) Rajasthan (ix) Punjab (x) Haryana (xi) Himachal Pradesh (xii) Andhra Pradesh and (xiii) Odisha.  After evaluation, the proposals of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh were selected in October-November 2022. The Government did not receive any proposal under the scheme from the Government of Chhatisgarh.

The support for the creation of world-class Common Infrastructure facilities under the scheme in these Parks intends to bring down the manufacturing cost of bulk drugs, that will be manufactured in these Bulk Drug parks, by ensuring a dedicated manufacturing ecosystem. Besides, these State Governments have also provisioned certain incentives for the units in these parks.  Thus, the infrastructure support and financial incentives by the States will bring down manufacturing cost of bulk drugs in these parks.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1412 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Trauma Care Facilities along National Highways
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Basanta Kumar Panda, Dhal Singh Bisen, Malook Nagar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1412 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  FEBRUARY, 2023

## TRAUMA CARE FACILITIES ALONG NATIONAL HIGHWAYS

## 1412:   SHRI BASANTA KUMAR PANDA: DR. DHAL SINGH BISEN: SHRI MALOOK NAGAR:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  set-up  hospitals  and  Trauma  Care  Facilities  (TCFs)  along  the National Highways (NHs) across the country and if so, the details thereof
- (b) the details of criteria adopted for setting up of such hospitals and TCFs;
- (c) the  details  of  present  and  proposed  such  hospitals  and  TCFs  set  up  along  with National Highways, NHs- wise, State/UT-wise including district- wise in Odisha and the funds allocated /utilized in this regard;
- (d) whether the Government has acquired land for setting up such hospitals and TCFs on NH44 and if so, the details thereof, State/UT- wise/location-wise;
- (e) whether the Government has held any deliberation with major hospitals of private sector in this regard and if so, the details thereof;
- (f) whether  the  administrative  formalities  with  various  State  Governments  have  been completed in regard for such proposed hospitals/TCFs and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (g) the time by which such proposed TCFs/ hospitals will be set up in the country, State/UTwise?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a) to  (g)  During  11 th Five  Year  Plan  (2007-2012)  and  12 th Five  Year  Plan  (2012-2017) under  the  'National  Programme  for  Prevention  &  Management  of  Trauma  and  Burn Injuries'  (NPPMT&BI),  196  Trauma  Care  Facilities  (TCFs)  were  sanctioned  in Government  Hospitals/  Medical  Colleges  across  the  country.  Many  of  them  are located close to National Highways. Approvals were granted on the basis of proposals received from the States as per norms of the Scheme. Accordingly, MoUs were entered with  the  State  Governments.    Under  this  scheme,  TCFs  have  been  set  up  by  the concerned State Government either in existing hospital/ medical college or on the land

available with them. Beyond 12 th  Five Year Plan, there is no provision of identification of new trauma care facilities under this Scheme and the financial support is in terms of release of the balance share of Central assistance within the total approved cost of the approved facilities  during  the  11 th  and  12 th  FYP. Details of funds allocated to Trauma Care Facilities State /UTs -wise is at https://main.mohfw.gov.in/sites/default/files/List%20of%20Trauma%20Care.pdf.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: AIIMS, Madurai
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dayanidhi Maran, S.R. Parthiban

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1410 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 10/02/2023

## AIIMS MADURAI

## 1410. SHRI DAYANIDHI MARAN: SHRI PARTHIBAN S. R.

- Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state: (a)  whether  the  Government has taken note of  slow progress of  construction work of AIIMS, Madurai and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; (b) the funds allocated and spent on the project, itemized list-wise, year-wise; (c) the total cost of the project and the actual amount allotted for the project during the current financial year; (d) whether the State Government has earmarked the land and completed other formalities in this regard and if so, the details thereof; (e) the quantum of funds allocated and spent or proposed to be spent on recruitment, academic grants, salaries or institutional operational costs for AIIMS, Madurai; and (f) whether any alternative locations or institutes have been selected for operationalizing AIIMS, Madurai on a temporary or interim basis and if so, the details thereof along with the funds been
- spent in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

- (a) to  (f)  In  the  year  2020,  222  acres  of  encumbrance  free  land  was  transferred  by  State Government to Govt. of India for setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)  in  Madurai.  95%  of  pre  investment  activity  including  the  construction  of boundary wall has been completed.  The Expression of Interest (EoI) for hiring of Project

Management  Consultant  (PMC)  for  implementation  of  project  has  been  completed. Technical bids received in response to Request for proposal (RFP) for engaging PMC have been opened and are under evaluation. The Cabinet approved cost of the project was Rs. 1264 crore and the revised cost was estimated at Rs1977.8 crore by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), out of which 82% of the cost will be covered by loan from (JICA). Rs.12.35 crore has been released for the pre-investment activity upto FY 2020-21. Grant-in-aid, released to AIIMS, Madurai for FY 2021-22 is Rs. 22.10 crore and Rs. 34.50 crore has been allocated for FY 2022-23 . Grant-in-aid is released to the Institute under salary, capital and general heads. from a temporary campus  at

MBBS classes for AIIMS Madurai for 50 students have been started since April, 2022 Government  Medical  College,  Ramanathapuram  in consultation with the Government of Tamil Nadu.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1409 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Women Officers for Rank of Colonel
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Vellalath Kochukrishnan Nair. Sreekandan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1409

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  February, 2023

## WOMEN OFFICERS FOR RANK OF COLONEL

## 1409.  SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Army has begun the process for selection of women officers for command postings in the rank of Colonel, if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether total 244 of them are being considered by the Army for promotion from the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel to Colonel against 108 vacancies and the first set of such postings is expected soon, if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether this decision is being taken in line with the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India; and
- (d)  if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI AJAY BHATT)

- (a):  Special Number 3 Selection Board for Women officers for promotion from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel was conducted with effect from 09 th January to 21 st January, 2023.
- (b):  A total of 244 Women Officers were considered by the Special Number 3 Selection Board and  a  total  of  108  Women  Officers  have  been  empanelled.  The  process  of  posting  of empanelled Women Officers is underway.
- (c) & (d):  Yes, Sir. The Women Officers are being granted all consequential benefits as per directions of Hon'ble Supreme Court including career progression opportunities.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1408 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shrikant Eknath Shinde, Brijendra Singh, Unmesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil, Heena Vijaykumar Gavit, Sujay Radhakrishna Vikhepatil, Krishna Pal Singh Yadav, Rita Bahuguna Joshi

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1408 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 10.02.2023

## One Nation One Fertilizer Scheme

## 1408:  Dr. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE :

SHRI BRIJENDRA SINGH:

SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHED PATIL:

DR. HEENA GAVIT:

DR. SUJAY RADHAKRISHNA VIKHE PATIL:

DR. KR4ISHNA PAL SINGH YADAV:

PROF. RITA BHAUGUNA JOSHI:

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

- (a) the  details  on  the  objectives  of  the  Bharat  Brand:  One  Nation  One  Fertilizer scheme;
- (b) whether  the  One  Nation  One  Fertilizer  scheme  will  benefit  the  farmers  and simultaneously the fertilizer companies and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken note that changing the packaging bags of the fertilizers can lead to loss of the manufacturing companies and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/ proposed to be taken to reduce such loss;
- (d) whether  the  scheme  is  likely  to  damage  the  brand  value  of  various  fertilizer manufacturers and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard;
- (e) whether the Government has provided any measures to stop fraud and selling of lower  quality  materials  under  one  name  by  any  manufacturer  and  if  so,  the details thereof; and
- (f) the  mechanisms  to  be  implemented  by  the  Government  to  ensure  fertilizer brands are under a uniform brand name across the country?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a) to (f):  Vide notification dated 24 th  August, 2022, Government of India has decided to implement One Nation One Fertilizers by introducing Single Brand for Fertilizers and Logo  under  Fertilizer  subsidy  scheme  namely  'Pradhanmantri  Bhartiya  Janurvarak Pariyojna' (PMBJP). The objectives of PMBJP are to increase the availability basket of fertilizers;  take  care  of  dilemma  among  farmers  in  choosing  from  plethora  of  brands available  in  the  markets,  reduce  the  crisscross  movement  and  further  ensure timely supply of fertilizers.

Further, Fertilizer Control Order (FCO)-1985 has laid down fertilizer-wise detailed specifications that are applicable for both indigenous as well as imported fertilizers. Any fertilizer,  not  meeting  the  said  specifications,  cannot  be  sold  in  the  country  for agricultural  purpose.  Clause  19  of  FCO  strictly  prohibits  the  sale  or  manufacture  of fertilizers which are not of prescribed standards.

********
Lok Sabha Question No. 1407 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Multi-Modal Logistics Parks
Ministry: PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Asked by: Girish Bhalchandra Bapat, Pritam Gopinath Munde, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Rahul Ramesh Shewale

## GOVERNMENT  OF INDIA I\4INISTRY  OF PORTS. SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS

## LOX SaeXa

## UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO- 1407

ANSWERED  ON 1OIO2I2O23

## MULTI-MODAL LOGISTICS PARKS

1407. SHRI GIRISH BHALCHANDM  BAPAT: DR, PRITAM  GOPINATHRAO MUNDE: SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU: SHRI RAHUL RAMESH  SHEWALE:

Willthe Nlinister  of PORTS,  SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS be pleased to state: w-c,  qld  ck{Er  sfr{  qdcFf  d*

- (a) the number of Multi-Modal  Logistics Parks (NIMLPS)  being set up in "port cities" under Phase-l  and ll of Bharatmala,  State-wise  including  Maharashtra  and Odisha,
- (c) the range of services which these  MMLPS would offer to the existing  ports;
- (b) the quantum of funds allocated, released and utilised  so far for setting up of these l\4MLPs, State-wise  particularly  in Maharashtra  and Odisha;
- (d) whether a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode  proposed  to be used to operationalise  these MMLPs;  and
- (e) if so, the details  thereof  along with the modalities  so far finalised in this regard?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF PORTS. SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS (SHRI SARBANANDA  SONOWAL)

- (a) There are six l\ilulti-Modal Logistics  Parks (N/MLPS)  which are being set up by Ministry of Road, Transport  & Highways under Bharatmala phase-l in "Port Cities" namely Cochin (Kerala); Chennai  (Tamil Nadu); Vishakhapatnam  (Andhra Pradesh); Mumbai (Maharashtra); Kolkata (West  Bengal) and Kandla  (Gujarat).

There  is no second phase development  of NIMLPS.

- (b) Chennai MMLP has been approved  with total capital cost of Rs. 1424 crctes including  PPP component  of Rs. 783 crores and Government  lnvestment  of Rs. 641 crores  including Land acquisition cost. Out of Rs. 64'l crores  of Government lnvestment, Rs. 167 crores have been spent by Chennai Port and Rs. 57.89 crores have been transferred  to Tamil Nadu lndustrial  Development  Corporation (TIDCO) for land acquisition.  For remaining  5 MMLPs,  no funds  earmarked.
- (c) These MMLPS would enable aggregation  and disaggregation of cargo and enable intermodal shift from Roads to Railways & vice-versa along with custom  bonded area. Further  MIVILP would  provide Warehousing  facilities, Cold storages and value added service etc.
- (d)& (e) Under Bharatmala Pariyojna, lVlMLPs are to be developed on PPP mode. Ministry of Road, Transport  & Highways  has issued an oM No. H-39o11logl2o2oP&P(log) dated 1010712020fot development  of MlvlLPs.
Lok Sabha Question No. 1404 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Declaration of Sainik Schools as Institute of National Importance
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: S. Muniswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1404

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10 th  February, 2023

## DECLARATION OF SAINIK SCHOOLS AS INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

## 1404. SHRI S. MUNISWAMY:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

- (a)    whether the existing 33 Sainik Schools are being declared as the institutes of national importance;
- (b)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the hurdles in considering these Schools as the institutes of national importance;
- (c)  whether the Government recognizes the fact that the alumni of these Sainik Schools have been instrumental in nation building, if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether the Government proposes to confer the institute of national importance status to a few  schools  like  Sainik  School  Vijayapura  (Bijapur),  Sainik  School  Rewa,  Sainik  School Satara, Sainik School Chittorgarh and others which bring in the best out of cadets and have highly decorated alumni especially in the armed forces; and
- (e)  if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) to (e):  There is no proposal to declare the 33 Sainik Schools functioning under erstwhile pattern  as  institute  of  National  Importance.  Nevertheless,  the  Government  recognizes  the importance of Sainik Schools in imparting quality education to its cadets for shaping the future leaders of the country. These Saink Schools have truly created nation builders and also highly illustrious  leaders  especially  in  the  armed  forces  at  various  levels.  The  Government  also recognizes the alumni of these schools as one of the pillars and strength and they have been helping financially and building an atmosphere of Bon-homie/healthy bonding between the students and ex-students of Sainik Schools. Towards this, out of 33 existing Sainik Schools, being run by Sainik Schools Society under the erstwhile pattern, 23 older Schools have Alumni Association. Further, in order to extend the quality education imparted in Sainik Schools to all areas of the country, the Government initiated and approved a scheme to set up 100 new Sainik Schools  in  partnership  mode  with  NGOs/Private  Schools/State  Government  Schools  in  all States/UTs. Under this scheme, Sainik Schools Society has signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with 18 New Sainik Schools.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1402 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Docking of Yuan Wang-5
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Asaduddin Owaisi

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

ANSWERED ON- 10/02/2023

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1402

## DOCKING OF YUAN WANG-5

1402. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) whether India had conveyed its concern to Sri Lanka about docking of Yuan Wang-5 at the southern part of Hambantota from August 16 to 22, 2022;

- (b) if so, whether China is likely to use such a spy ship in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) for spying while India is testing its Missiles; and

(c) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government to safeguard its missiles from syping by Chinese Ships?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

(a  to   c)   Government   is   aware   of   reports   of   the   visit   by   a   Chinese   naval   vessel   at   the Hambantota Port in August 2022. Government carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on India's security and economic interests, and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them.

- *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1401 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-10
Subject: Supply of Fertilizers in Agriculture Sector
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Pushpendra Singh Chandel

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1401 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 10.02.2023

## Supply of fertilizers in agriculture sector

## 1401:   SHRIMATI  MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH: SHRI  KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

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

- (a) whether the Government has made reforms and taken measures to expand the distribution system to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertilizers for the agriculture sector;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  fixed  any  target  to  reduce  the  use  of  chemical fertilizers in agriculture; and
- (d) If so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI BHAGWANTH KHUBA)

(a)  &  (b):  Fertilizer  is  distributed  through  various  dealers/retailers  in  the  State.  State Governments are empowered to register the number of dealers/retailers to operate in a state based on the requirement for efficient distribution of fertilizers to farmers. Further, opening of rake points for fertilizer handling is a continuous process, which is opened as per the recommendation of State Government subjected to operational confirmation by the Ministry of Railways.

(c)  &  (d):  Government  of  India  (GoI)  is  promoting  the  balanced  and  judicious  use  of fertilizers  based  on  soil  test  based  recommendations  in  conjunction  with  organic fertilizer  and  bio-fertilizers.  The  GoI  is  implementing  Soil  Health  Card  Scheme  which besides providing soil fertility status (Soil test based information on nutrient status), also recommends appropriate dosages of nutrients  to  be applied for  improving  soil  health and fertility.

*********