Tripura has sought central support for early setting up a gas-based Urea-Ammonia project in the state at an estimated cost of Rs 1494 crore to meet the growing fertiliser demand. Union fertilisers minister S S Dhindsa has agreed to look into the request made in this regard by Tripura CM Manik Sarkar sympathetically and with an open mind, according to state government sources. In order to ensure the commercial viability of the project with a capacity of 1550 mt per day, a team has been set up comprising officials of fertilisers and chemicals ministry and KRIBHCO and IFFCO. During a recent meeting between Dhindsa and Sarkar it was decided that all aspects of the project would be discussed between the central team and of officials from the Tripura government, A preliminary survey for the project has already been done by a joint team of Krishak Bharti Co-operative Sector Undertaking (KRIBHCO) and Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO). Highlighting the positive aspects of the project, Tripura government has also mentioned the potential of exports to Bangladesh which is witnessing a deficit in Urea production. Currently, Tripura consumes only 19.6 kg Urea per hectare in comparison to some states of the country where consumption levels have reached upto 200 kg and as against the national average of 96 kg per hectare. The state government has already chalked out an aggressive strategy to achieve self sufficiency in food production by 2010. While insurgency is a cause of concern for the security of the project, the state government has stated that it would have spinoff effects on the economic condition of the people. Citing lack of economic development as one of the reasons behind insurgency, the state government feels that the project would play a significant role in generating employment opportunities in the state. Bureau Report