The government adopted a new policy on 28 February, which it says will help make sure there is enough fertiliser when the farmers need it most. The new policy requires government to assess and make public the quantity of all fertiliser stocks in the country six months before the cropping season. The government began privatising fertiliser imports and distribution in late 1997, but in the absence of effective regulation there have been shortages in supply even after the private sector joined the business. In 2000-01 the private sector imported 60 percent and the government-run Agricultural Implements Corporation, 40 percent of the total fertiliser used. Under the new policy all fertiliser importers have to be registered at the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives. The government is to make public international fertiliser prices and will require wholesalers to publicise the selling rates to ensure local fair pricing. The government will also require all fertiliser importers to maintain 20 percent stocks at all times to ensure availability.