Business

Government Increases Fertilizer Subsidy for Farmers in Response to Rising Global Prices, Says Minister

Published

9 months ago

March 19, 2025

On Tuesday, Parliament was informed that the government has introduced special fertiliser packages for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the existing Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates. This measure aims to ensure that farmers have access to DAP at affordable prices, especially in light of supply disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions.

Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Anupriya Patel, stated that due to the geopolitical climate affecting the procurement of DAP by fertiliser companies in the 2024-25 period, a one-time special package has been approved. This package offers DAP at a rate of Rs 3,500 per metric tonne on actual Point of Sale during March 2024, and it has now been extended until March 31, 2025, to facilitate reliable availability of DAP at reasonable prices for farmers.

The minister also highlighted that urea is supplied to farmers at a statutorily fixed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs 242 for a 45 kg bag, excluding neem coating and applicable taxes. The government provides subsidies to urea manufacturers and importers to cover the difference between the farm gate price of urea and the net market returns.

Under the NBS scheme, a fixed subsidy amount is allocated annually or bi-annually for subsidized P&K fertilizers, such as DAP, based on their nutrient content. The P&K sector operates on a decontrolled basis, allowing fertiliser companies to set their MRP at reasonable levels, which are subject to government monitoring. This framework enables fertiliser companies to manufacture or import according to market demands while ensuring that prices remain manageable for farmers.

Additionally, Patel noted that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has studied the long-term effects of chemical fertilizers on various soil types within dominant cropping systems. Research conducted over five decades at designated sites has shown that with balanced use, chemical fertilizers do not adversely affect soil fertility. However, imbalanced application and insufficient organic matter over time can lead to multi-nutrient deficiencies and deterioration of soil health. Continuous reliance on nitrogenous fertilizers alone can negatively impact soil conditions and crop yields, demonstrating deficiencies in other essential nutrients.

Investigations have revealed that even with NPK fertilization, nutritional deficiencies in secondary and micro-nutrients may develop, consequently affecting soil health and agricultural productivity. The most significant reduction in crop yields was observed in plots that received only urea. In contrast, the use of drip irrigation (fertigation) has been shown to enhance crop yields with a reduced requirement for water and fertilizers due to improved efficiency in resource use, the minister concluded.

Business

Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules Amended to Ease Business and Operations

Published

1 day ago

December 12, 2025

Namma Kudla

The Union Government has approved amendments to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules, 2025 to promote domestic exploration and production. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced the changes on Thursday. He said the revised rules will offer greater ease of doing business and smoother operational procedures for companies in the energy sector.

One of the key amendments allows for long-duration leases. The lease period has now been increased from 20 years to 30 years. It can also be extended further up to the life of the field. Officials said this long-term clarity will help companies make better investment decisions.

The rules also provide another major reform. A company that receives a petroleum lease will now have the right to carry out all types of mineral oil operations under a single lease. This replaces the earlier system that required multiple permits.

According to the Ministry, the amendments aim to strengthen infrastructure, boost exploration activities, and support India’s long-term energy needs. The government expects the updated rules to attract more investors and improve efficiency in the sector.

Business

Egg Prices Rise in Bengaluru as New Year Nears

Published

4 days ago

December 9, 2025

Namma Kudla

Egg prices in Bengaluru have increased sharply. The rate, which was ₹5 per egg a month ago, has now touched ₹7. The city is also facing a shortage in supply. Traders say that demand for eggs rises in December due to Christmas, New Year celebrations, and higher non-vegetarian consumption during winter.

Supply from Tamil Nadu has also reduced, causing further pressure on local markets. According to the Karnataka Poultry Traders Association, Bengaluru needs about 1.10 crore eggs daily, but there is a shortage of nearly 30–40 lakh eggs.

Last year’s bird flu outbreak also affected poultry farms, leading to lower production this season.

Goa has seen a similar trend. Egg prices there have increased to ₹90 per dozen, and further hikes are expected in the third week of December. Reports suggest that rates may stay high until early 2026.

Goa depends heavily on neighboring states for its supply — around 80% from Karnataka and the rest from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, gold prices too have shown an upward trend.

Business

MRPL Wins Fourth Consecutive Best Refining Innovation Award at ETM 2025

Published

2 months ago

October 29, 2025

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad, October 28, 2025:

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a subsidiary of ONGC and a leading Category-I Miniratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has achieved yet another milestone. The company has won the Innovation Award 2024-25 for Best Innovation in Research & Development in Refining Technology at the 28th Energy Technology Meet (ETM 2025) held in Hyderabad.

This marks MRPL’s fourth consecutive victory at these prestigious national awards, reaffirming its position as a pioneer in indigenous innovation within India’s refining sector.

The award recognizes MRPL’s breakthrough “Gradual Olefins and Aromatic Technology (GOAT)”, an advanced Crude-to-Chemicals process developed entirely by the company’s in-house R&D team. The GOAT technology demonstrates India’s growing capability to transform crude oil directly into high-value petrochemicals, thereby improving energy efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and contributing to the nation’s sustainable refining goals.

The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, in the presence of Shri Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The ceremony was organized by the Centre for High Technology (CHT) at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).

Receiving the award on behalf of MRPL were Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai (Director – Refinery), along with Chief Managers Shri Karthick R. and Shri S. Nirmal Ganesh from MRPL’s Innovation Centre.

The 28th Energy Technology Meet, themed “Green Energy Horizons: Advancing Sustainable Refining & Energy Innovation,” serves as India’s leading platform for sharing advancements in refining and clean energy technologies. Organized by CHT under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, ETM 2025 brings together refiners, petrochemical producers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and service companies from India and abroad to discuss sustainable and low-carbon pathways for the energy sector.

The three-day event, held from October 28 to 30, 2025, focuses on innovations driving India’s energy transition and circular economy efforts.

Speaking after receiving the award, Shri Nandakumar V. Pillai said,

“MRPL has always been a frontrunner in adopting and developing advanced technologies. Our Innovation Centre is not only creating but also implementing breakthrough technologies like GOAT — a futuristic Crude-to-Chemicals process that many in the global refining industry are still aspiring to achieve. Winning this recognition for the fourth consecutive year reflects our team’s commitment, creativity, and technical excellence. I congratulate our Innovation Centre team and wish them continued success in future innovations.”