Farmers bay for Minister's head
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 15 2011: Alleging that inefficiency of the State Government machinery is the main factor for farmers facing shortage of fertilisers during the peak cultivation season, different farmers' organisations of the State have demanded resignation of the Minister concerned on moral ground.

Speaking to newspersons at Manipur Press Club today All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association coordinator, K thoiba said inspite of claim by the Government of adequate stock of fertilizers, shortage of the essential agricultural item is not a new development as the farmers are compelled to purchase the same from the black market at exorbitant rate for the past many years.

Contending that this year from February upto July month a total of 14,476 bags of fertilizers have been brought to the State, Thoiba accused unholy nexus between Ministers, MLAs and dealers in creating artificial shortage of fertilizers.

Informing that compared to price of a fertilizer bag in the black market at Rs 520 the same is supposed to be made available to the farmers at subsidised rate of Rs 420, he nevertheless urged the Government to ensure adequate stock of fertilizers as shortage of the essential item will have negative impact in the annual yield of food crops.

Accusing Ministers/MLAs of trying to gain political mileage have stock-piled fertilizers for distribution at their whims, the coordinator suggested that rather than politicising the issue ensuring its availability to all the farmers would be beneficial to the State's economy.

Young Farmers' Progressive Association president Y Ranjit, who was also present during the media briefing, described as unfortunate the Government's failure to ensure availability of fertilizers at the Government-fixed price.

While pointing out that only 18,000 metric tonne fertilizer could be brought into the State compared to annual requirement of 20,000 metric tonnes, he also lambasted the Government for its inability to control price of fertilizer despite a Cabinet decision for its provision to the farmers at Rs 420.Peeved with the Government's alleged callousness, Ranjit demanded that the total amount of Rs 2 crores earmarked as fertilizer subsidy be annulled for Ministers/MLAs have been taking advantage of the provision compared to the farmers left in the lurch.

On the otherhand, Loumi Sinmee Apunba Lup (Lousal) president L Ranjit accused influential Ministers and MLAs of depriving the farmers' rights in violation of the Central Government's provision for subsidy on kerosine oil and fertilizers.

He claimed that these essential items are being grabbed by Ministers/MLAs for subsequent allocation to their loyalists in their respective assembly constituencies.

Ranjit also cited inefficiency of the State Government resulting in traders bringing in fertilizers for sale at exorbitant rates which he cautioned is an invitation for intense agitation.

Representatives of Apunba Manipur Lou-u-Shingu Lup were also present at the occasion.

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