Urea row: Farmers' bodies urge for efficient distribution system
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 12 2022:
All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) has urged the State Government and Agriculture Department to streamline the urea distribution system in the interest of the farmers in the State.
In a press release, AMPFA expressed dismay over the current urea distribution system and maintained that such distribution system is against the well-being of the farmers since it has become a time consuming process where the farmers have to line up for a single bag of urea which is one of the most essential fertilizers during this peak agricultural season.
In view of the above concern, the farmers' body appealed to the authorities concerned to formulate an agricultural policy to ensure that the fertilizers reach the genuine farmers and are used appropriately.
Strongly urging the authorities concerned of agricultural department to rectify the existing fertilizer distribution system, AMPFA listed a series of demands for efficient distribution of fertilizers as follows- Increase the number of urea distribution outlets in the valley and hilly region of the State so that farmers can avail the urea fertilizer at a reasonable cost and in a nearby accessible place.
o Distribute fertilizer to tenant farmers through identity proofs instead of land patta or other relevant documents.
o MLA/Ministers distributing fertilizers should refrain from distributing fertilizers and let the Agriculture Dept carry out their responsibilities .
o Take up strict measures to check illegal business of hoarding fertilizers.
The farmers' body also denounced the incident which occurred at the Imphal West District Agriculture Office on July 11 and held the District Agriculture Officer responsible for the incident for inefficient measures by acting against the emotions of the large number of irate farmers who were present at the complex.
Nongchup Imphal Loumee-Sinmi Chaokhat Thourang Lup while reacting strongly against the incident and alleged that the faulty measures of the authorities concerned led to the incident.
The Lup in a press release expressing concern over the inconveniences of the farmers who have been trying all measures to get just a bag of fertilizer appealed to the State Government to come up with a long term plan to alleviate the plights of the farmers rather than relying on short term and temporary measures.
Meanwhile Apunba Loumi Lup, Thoubal District in a press release urged the Agriculture Department to allocate more fertilizers for Thoubal and Kakching districts through their respective District Agriculture Officers for successful distribution to farmers.