All you wanted to know about PMBJP

What is the rationale behind the Centre’s move on bringing all fertiliser products under single Bharat brand

Last week, the Centre quietly rolled out a new scheme — Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna (PMBJP) — through an office memorandum, which was not even posted on the website. Henceforth, there will be a single brand of all fertiliser products in the country.

What is PMBJP?

The existing fertiliser subsidy is now covered under the PMBJP scheme. Earlier, the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) was categorised under urea (N), phosphorous (P) and potash (K) and there was no such name. Subsidy will be continued under NBS policy, as there is no change in it. There will be only one brand, Bharat, which, the government claims, will generate trust among the farmers.

When is it being rolled out?

The government has decided to roll it out from October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), as its focus on making the country atmanirbhar (self-sufficient) in fertiliser goes with the ethos of what the Father of the Nation had espoused. The rabi season’s sowing starts from October and buying of fertilisers also starts from the first week.

How does it work?

Under PMBJP, all fertilisers — urea, DAP, MOP and Complex (combination of N.P,K) — will be sold under a single “Bharat” brand. For instance, IFFCO’s urea will be called “Bharat Urea”, so also IPL’s MOP will become “Bharat MOP”. The government has shared the design of the bag, where two-thirds of the space will be used for the brand and logo, while companies can print their name and details in the balance one-third area.

The logo will also mention Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna in Hindi. Companies have been advised not to procure bags having old designs from September 15, and all old bags need to be phased out by December 31.

Under PMBJP, all fertilisers — urea, DAP, MOP and Complex (combination of N.P,K) — will be sold under a single “Bharat” brand. For instance, IFFCO’s urea will be called “Bharat Urea”, so also IPL’s MOP will become “Bharat MOP”. The government has shared the design of the bag, where two-thirds of the space will be used for the brand and logo, while companies can print their name and details in the balance one-third area.