"I am studying the draft of the fertliser policy now and will soon write to the state governments for their suggestions," Dhindsa said.

"I am a farmer and have myself tilled the land. I understand the farmers requirements and this will help me to ensure that all the needs of the agriculture sector are taken care of," he said.

Stating that his predecessor, Mr Suresh Prabhu had done a commendable job in getting ready the draft fertiliser policy, the minister said "I am taking some more suggestions. There will only be some marginal changes in the draft."

He said that he would strive to announce the policy at the earliest and added that the measure would aim at ensuring availability of the agro- feedstock to farmers on time and at affordable prices. Mr Dhindsa said that he had already talked to Punjab, which is the largest consumer of agro - nutrients, and would soon write to other states for more suggestions and inputs to bring about improvements.

(PTI)