The Government of India has prepared an ‘Action Plan’ to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate. The plan is primarily aimed at improving the availability of phosphatic fertilisers (DAP and NPK) and to reduce the dependence on imports.

Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90% dependent on imports.

Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilisers and hinders the progress and development of agriculture sector in the country. India currently has close to 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.

Source: PIB