Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 14:
In view of the problems being faced by farmers due to shortage of fertilisers in the State, the Govt of Manipur will be extending all possible assistance to the dealers in lifting more quantity of fertilisers from outside the State, Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat has assured.
Speaking to mediapersons at Irabot Bhawan here today, Parijat said that the Government of India gave the allotment order of the fertilisers quota of the State in the last week of April only.
As there was no rain during the month of May, there was no demand for fertilisers from the farmers.
So the dealers did not lift any fertiliser during this period.
But with the imposition of the economic blockade along the National Highways, it caused a serious problem in lifting the State's share of fertiliser when it was required by the farmers with the onset of monsoon, Parijat said.
After the privatisation by the Govt of India, the task of lifting fertilisers was no longer the responsibility of the State Government.
However, among the fertiliser which are lifted from outside the State, the State Government has been controlling the quantity of Urea to be supplied to the people.
While informing that 4,000 bags of fertilisers were distributed to the farmers through the dealers today, the Agriculture Minister appealed to the farmers of Moirang Assembly Constituency in Bishnupur district to call off their agitation against shortage of fertilisers.
Pointing out that there are 10 MLAs in Thoubal district and only 6 MLAs in Bishnupur district, the Minister said that it would wrong to demand the same quantity of fertilisers.
The fertilisers were distributed based on the district wise allocation.