Recently, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers decided to implement the One Nation, One Fertiliser (ONOF) scheme. It also introduced a “Single Brand for Fertilisers and logo” launched under the fertiliser subsidy scheme, also known as the “Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurak Pariyojna”.
The Government of India (GOI) also issued an order to keep the commodities under “Bharat”. The primary purpose of replacing the name with India’s name is to standardise fertiliser brands all over the nation.
What is the One Nation, One Fertiliser (ONOF) scheme?
The One Nation, One Fertiliser (ONOF) scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers under the Government of India (GOI). Under the scheme, all the brands of fertilisers will be replaced by BHARAT. This scheme will replace UREA, DAP, NPK, and MOP with BHARAT UREA, BHARAT DAP, BHARAR NPK, and BHARAT MOP. It will be applied to all the state-run companies and local fertilisers.
Instead of a photo of the owners, the packet will consist of the logo of Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurak Pariyojna. Companies can display their name, logo, address, and brand on the remaining one-third of the space.
Why is the One Nation, One Fertiliser (ONOF) scheme needed?
- MRP (Maximum Retail Price)
The Government of India (GOI) has fixed the price now. Different retailers buy at a lower price and sell them at varying higher prices. Through the scheme, the government of India will decide on a universal rate to sell fertilisers. The bags of fertilisers will be packed under the new scheme, which will print a universal rate.
- Fixed selling areas
Apart from fixing the maximum retail price (MRP), the government of India (GOI) can also decide where they can sell fertilisers. The Department of Fertilisers will decide on a monthly plan after consulting with traders and importers under the Fertiliser (Movement) Control Order, 1973. Not only this, but the department of fertilisers will also monitor the movement to ensure the demand and availability in the local areas.
- Branding consistency
Under the One Nation, One Fertiliser (ONOF) scheme, there will be uniformity in the brands. The name BHARAT and the logo of Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurak Pariyojna will replace all the names and logos of the brand.
- Less freight subsidy
According to a report by “The Print”, the distance between the factory of fertilisers and the market was about 900–1000 km. In 2019-2020, the distance was reduced to 850-900 km and to 700-750 km in 2020-2021. Under the scheme, the distance will be reduced even more. The freight subsidy will be lower if there is less distance between the factory and the market. The report reveals how, due to less distance, the freight subsidy decreased from Rs. 19.03 crore per lakh metric ton to Rs. 11.59 crore per lakh metric ton during 2020–2021.
Apart from the advantages, there are several loopholes in the scheme. According to the local retailers, the scheme will limit the brand promotion of their own companies. For a better harvest, farmers trust a better brand. This scheme will mix all the brands, costing the farmers their failed crops. Also, in the case of any defect, consumers used to blame the brand’s products. Now, with no brand, where will the consumer complain?
