Urea drive
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 09 2013:
Over 50 bags of urea have been impounded by volunteers of All Manipur Fertilizer Dealers' Welfare Association and Joint Non-Government voluntary Organisation, Kakching from two shops located in Kakching.
The agricultural components were impounded by the volunteers as they were found to be sold at exorbitant rate in the range of Rs 400-500 a bag contrary to the Government claim that urea/fertilizer would be made available to the farmers at Rs 278.80 per bag.
During the drive raids were carried out at M/s Linthoi House and M/s Loumee Fertilizer where piles of urea bags were discovered inspite of the same item unobtainable by many farmers of the State.
Speaking to media persons during the drive, president of the fertilizer dealers' body Y Iboyaima conceded that owing to the Government's declaration that urea would be provided to the farmers at Rs 278.80 per bag the dealers ceased transportation of urea since April 10 for the dealers are certain to face financial loss if the Government rate is complied with.
Accusing the Government of betraying the farmer community by not sticking to its commitment that urea would made available at cheaper rate, he also alleged collusion between Government officials and unauthorised dealers for sale of urea in the black market at inflated rate.
The fact that urea is still available in the black market clearly suggest connivance between corrupt officials and individuals with vested interests, Iboyaima contended and revealed that the urea consignment recovered from one of the shops in today's raids was procured from one Ph Bhama of Khongjom Bazar, reportedly a fertilizer agent for the past many years.
Even as the Association president asserted that the drive would continue in the coming days, some farmers who had come to purchase urea informed newspersons that they are compelled to procure the agriculture item at exorbitant rate so that their toil in the fields do not go waste.
They also drew the Government's attention that relevant steps be initiated at the earliest to ensure availability of urea at the Government-fixed rate.