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.

https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-blueprint-ready-government-prepares-action-plan-to-make-india-aatmanirbhar-in-rock-phosphate-currently-90-dependence-on-imports-159504