News on rural demand is turning stronger still. Fertiliser production during April-May 1997 has registered a 35 per cent-plus increase compared to April-May 1996.

The estimated output was 14.47 lakh metric tonnes (lmt) of Nitrogen and 4.57 lmt of Phosphate against targets of 13.87 lmt and 4.34 lmt respectively (implying whopping 35.3 per cent and 38.9 per cent increases in nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilisers' output respectively). Capacity utilisation in May 1997 was 90.2 per cent for nitrogen and 96.9 per cent for phosphate. Of course, output figures do not tell the final story, sales figures are still awaited.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.