AMPFA suggests
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2021: The All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) has written to the Director of Agriculture Department putting forth issues related to fertilizers.

AMPFA also drew up a set of suggestions.

In the letter AMPFA stressed more on the issues related to unavailability of chemical fertilizers on which productivity of a season greatly depends.

Availability of chemical fertilizer is a perpetual issue in the State, stated the AMPFA and added that the State Government could neither provide necessary fertilizers to the farmers at the right time every year nor could it control and regulate its prices.

The private or individual retailer shops at times sell fertilizers at much higher price than the selling price, it stated while questioning whether the Government has authorized the retailers to do so or whether it is being done in collusion with them by some bureaucrats or politicians.

The AMPFA also asked how it was possible for private individuals to purchase fertilizers directly from the factory or other places and sell them at prices of their choice while farmers are required to produce copies of Aadhar card, patta to avail fertilizers.

Citing other issues faced by tenant farmers, insufficiency of stock, substandard packing and handling of fertilizers by transporters, the AMPFA appealed to the Government to be honest in the selection of transporters of fertilizers from outside the State.

The association also suggested that there is need to change policy of assigning permission for transportation of fertilizers and also purchase of fertilizer from outside the State to the private partners.

The State Government should take full responsibility of purchase and transportation of fertilizers to check the monopoly by private partners, it stated.

Misuse and malpractices in the purchase, sale and distribution of fertilizers must be strictly monitored and dealt with seriously, it stated while at the same time demanding legal punishment of hoarders and those selling fertilizers at excessive prices.

There should be relaxation on compulsory production of Aadhar Card, Patta and other documents while availing fertilizers on subsidized rates, as most of the genuine farmers are tenant farmers, it stated while appealing to the Government to frame a workable policy to deal with the issue.

The association also suggested that the State Government should increase outlet points to ensure that even the remotest part of the State is covered.

While stressing that fertilizers allocated to the State should be transported and stocked in advance, the association suggested that there should be no misunderstanding between the State Government and transporters in any case to avoid lapses.

If the assigned transporter could not accomplish their task, alternative remedy should be initiated by the Government, stated the AMPFA and added that disciplinary action should be taken up in case there are any lapses on the part of Government officials.

To avoid scarcity, the quota earmarked for the State should be increased and stocked in time, it said.

Suggesting the need to implement strict rules to avoid using hooks while handling fertilizer bags, the association also expressed hope that the Department will take prompt action in the interest of the farmers of the State.

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