The plywood industries from across the country have supported the government drive on the restriction of diversion of agriculture grade urea to the industries. All India Plywood Manufacturer's Association delegates had a meeting with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, on June 29, 2022, at his office in New Delhi in this regard.
The meeting in connection with the usage of Technical Grade Urea was supported by Mr. Vijay Sampla and Mr. Gopal Aggarwal. On the occasion, Mr. M. M. Mujeeb Rahman, President, All Kerala Plywood & Boards Manufacturers Association (AKPBMA) was preset, with the Executive Members, Mr. K. M. Ibrahim, Mr. Muhammed Sha and Mr. M. H. Riyaz represented Sawmill Owners & Plywood Manufacturers Association.
It is to be noted that the department searched 52 industrial units across six states—Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan, Telangana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh—for alleged diversion of urea. The sources said many of these units procured agriculture-grade urea and packed it in industrial-grade urea bags illegally.
According to the All Kerala Plywood & Boards Manufacturers Association (AKPBMA) the minister has given a severe and strict warning against the use of subsidised agricultural urea for making bonding agents. For physical verification, they have departments and a complete black & white record on the usage of Technical Grade Urea and Fertilizer. The minister proposed collaborating with the Government Depot, where authorised Technical Grade Urea would be available.
The associations have conveyed this message to their respective members and manufacturers to use the technical grade urea.