Date:28/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/10/28/stories/2006102803141500.htm

Back Wheat, fertiliser pile up at Kandla

Gargi Shah

Increased priority to clear fertilizers stocks

Mumbai , Oct. 27

A spurt in imports of wheat and fertiliser has caused a huge build up of stocks of these at the Kandla port. Recent holiday season leadiing labour shortage has also accentuated the problem.

In a meeting held by the Ministry of Shipping on October 15, it was decided to accord priority to evacuate these stocks from the port at the earliest, especially as more vessels with wheat and fertilisers are expected to anchor at the port in the coming weeks.

Priority for fertilisers

Earlier, relatively lesser priority was given to clearance of fertiliser stocks, but now increased priority is being given to them, as it is a crucial time for farmers to have adequate fertiliser stocks, a Kandla port official said.

Currently, 1.10 lakh tonnes of cargo is lying at the port, which is beyond its capacity. Some quantity of wheat is lying in the open.

The port has already handled 3.12 lakh tonnes of wheat and 85,000 tonnes of fertilizer so far. There are three vessels of wheat waiting at the port and three more vessels are expected early next month. Also, next month 3 lakh tonnes of urea is expected to land at the port.