Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar has said that policies will be framed to make the country self-reliant in fertilizer supply.
Speaking to reporters after taking charge here yesterday, he said the present Government intends to place the farmer at the center of the agriculture sector, the village and the country's economy.
The Minister said that first priority of his ministry is to ensure an adequate and timely supply of fertilizers to all farmers for the coming karif season. His Government also plans to revive all closed urea plants.
The Minister pointed out that it will be an endeavor of his ministry to reduce cost of about 400 medicines by over 25 percent and make these generic and essential medicines easily available to the poor.
Ananth Kumar further said that efforts to set up petro-chemical hubs in Assam, Orissa and Tamilnadu will be strengthened.
Ananth Kumar has been elected as a M.P. from the Bangalore South Constituency in Karnataka in the recent Lok Sabha Elections. The 55 year old senior BJP leader had earlier been a cabinet minister in the Vajpayee Government.