Roll out DBT scheme for fertiliser subsidy: Industry

THE GOVERNMENT MUST roll out direct benefit transfers (DBT) to farmers instead of providing highly subsidised fertilisers to farmers through companies, which is leading to skewed use of the soil nutrients, the fertiliser industry has said.

- SANDIP DAS

SC Mehta, chairman, Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), said the DBT for the subsidy disbursal would have to be implemented over the next 2-3 years. "This would make the fertiliser industry more market-oriented and bring about efficiency in operations," Mehta said.

Sales of all subsidised fertilisers to farmers or buyers are currently made through 0.26 million point of sale (PoS) devices installed at outlets since March 2018.

Beneficiaries are identified through Aadhaar number, Kisan Credit Card and other documents.