Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Thiru M K Alagiri said that measures would be taken to import raw materials from South Africa, which would bring some respite to the fertiliser shortage in the country.Addressing media persons on Jan.16, the Minister said he had been to South Africa on an official tour where he visited various places in that country and came across a lot of mineral rich areas.He found that important raw materials in producing DAP kind of fertilisers were found in South Africa.Thiru Alagiri said that he discussed the possibilities of importing the raw materials from South Africa to India.During the talks, the South African officials also assured that they will look into the possibilities.He said he visited mineral rich areas South African government owned FOSKOR factory in Richards Bay which produced raw materials requested for fertilizers from minerals and held consultations with its chairman.Later he held talks with officials of Industrial Resources department in Johannesburg.“The import of raw materials will greatly ease the DAP fertiliser shortage in the country and also increase its local production and other fertilisers,” he said.After the ministerial level talks, the officials from his ministry will visit South Africa and discuss the next level with the officials.