Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate
GS PAPER III: Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Context: The government is ready with an action plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate.
Need of this move:
- Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90 per cent dependent on imports.
- Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilisers and hinders the progress and development of the agriculture sector in the country.
- This will not only improve the availability of phosphatic fertilisers (DAP and NPK) but will also reduce the dependence on imports by making India Aatmnirbhar in fertilizers.
About Rock Phosphate:
- Limestones and mudstones are common phosphate-bearing rocks.
- It is a non-detrital sedimentary rock that contains high amounts of phosphate minerals.
Existing reserves:
- The production in the existing 30 lakh MT of Phosphorite deposits which are available in Rajasthan, central part of peninsular India, Hirapur (MP), Lalitpur (UP), Mussoorie syncline, Cuddapah basin (AP).
- Discussion and planning with Department of Mining and Geological Survey of India is going on to expedite the exploration in the potential potassic ore resources in Rajasthan’s Satipura, Bharusari & Lakhasar and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka.
- The action plan included the steps to minimize the import dependency of costly raw material imported from abroad and make it accessible and affordable to farmers.
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