The recession hit fertilizer industry has urged union government to provide direct subsidy to farmers instead of providing through manufactures. The industry seems uncomfortable with market fluctuations and pricing policy adopted by the government to fix the prices of fertilizers.

Managing Director of Paradeep Phosphates Limited (PPL), Mr S S Nandurdikar said that like other countries India should offer subsidy coupons to purchase fertilizers, thus, eliminating governmental control over manufacturers. PPL reported a net profit of Rs 173.2 5 crore with a turnover rof Rs 5114.44 crore during 2008-09, despite unfavorable market conditions due to global slowdown.

He said that things are not running good for fertilizer industry due to declining costs of fertilizers, particularly di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and delayed monsoon in the country. DAP prices has fallen to about US $ 325 per tonne from $ 1,300 per tonne in September 2008.

Nandurdikar said that the company has expanded its schemes namely Navratna Krishi Vikas Yojana to Khurda and Dhenkanal districts which includes highlighting and promoting the use of tissue culture bananas, vermi compost, mushroom farming and apiculture besides encouraging peasantry to adopt self employment methods.