The question of fertilizer
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: December 14 2011 -

Among the many topics and issues which figures in the headlines of local dailies is that of Fertilizers. The latest on fertilizers relates to the allegations of misuse of some Rs 1.2 crores from the total amount of Rs 2 crore which was sanctioned by the government for its procurement considering the shortfall in supply as a result of the long drawn economic blockades.

The allegations need to be looked into and the truth found out. If there is any substance to this allegation then it is unfortunate to say the least, as it would lead to further deprivation the farmers. This is not the first time fertilizers have become a point of contention.

There have been numerous cases of allegations of diversion of fertilizers from the intended targets and beneficiaries. Then in times of disruption in the supply routes due to made made conditions like prolonged blockades and natural disasters like landslides, there is acute shortage of fertilizers which sets off fierce competition for a share of the prized commodity.

Naturally, in such a scenario, the high and mighty starts flexing its muscle in a bid to corner its share, there have been instances of escorts of VIPs waylaying trucks carrying fertilizers before it reaches its destination.

This year, during the sowing seasons farmers were forced to buy a bag of urea at around Rs 1400 and above, which is much higher than normal rate of Rs 520 per bag as the distribution of fertilizers at subsidized rate came to a halt. The Agriculture Minister attributed it to the non availability of Manipur's share of subsidized rate due to the breakdown of Namrup fertilizer plant in Assam.

But beyond all this, there seems to be much more to the fertilizer issue than meets the eye. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its latest report states that "We found several instances of diversion of fertilizers for non-agricultural purposes as well as smuggling of fertilisers in border districts in the Eastern/North-Eastern states,".

The report said that 548 tonnes of fertilisers worth Rs 1.77 crore were seized by the Border Security Force (BSF) during January to September 2008 at India's border in West Bengal.

And what is more relevant to Manipur, that police seized 93 tonnes of fertilisers in Chandel District while being smuggled to Myanmar in 2008.

In the context of this report, the government of Manipur, especially the agriculture department needs to monitor the supply of fertilizers. Greater transparency on the actual requirements of the state and the amount procured is needed, so as to check pilferage of all kinds.

We also need to know why there is shortage of fertilizers in the state. Is it because it is diverted to non-agricultural use or because it is smuggled out of the state across the border or both?

If the answer to all of it is yes, then the obvious thing would be to put a stop to all these. The state has all the wherewithal to do exactly that and if it is not being done, again the obvious question is, why not?

Apart from this, there are questions about use of fertilizers itself. All over the world there is a sort of a movement, which is fast catching on, about organic food. There is a move away from vegetables and grains grown with the aid of chemical fertilizers to the more naturally grown one which uses manures and other organic fertilizers.

Besides, excessive use of fertilizers is known to adversely affect the productivity of the soil in the long run. Taking all these into account, the agriculture department should start putting in place policies and programmes geared towards reducing use of fertilizers and aggressively propagate the use of organic fertilizers.

Such a policy will be to the benefit of not just the present generation but also spare future generations many unforeseen calamities.

Remaining dependent on fertilizers will eventual harm the health of the people and degrade the soil making it unsuitable for any plantation in future, though a few people might benefit immensely out of continued use of fertilizers.

Time to seriously weigh the pros and cons of continued and excessive use of fertilizers.