Farmers protest non-dsitribution of fertilisers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21 2018:
Condemning the non-distribution of fertilizers, farmers from different areas of the State protested in front of the Agriculture Office today.
Speaking to media persons, Bharatiya Kishan Sangh Manipur Pranta general secretary Telem Data stated that the agitation was taken out following the failure of the authority concerned to provide necessary fertilizers to farmers.
He stated that Bharatiya Kishan Sangh Manipur Pranta has provided necessary documents the Agriculture Department on July 24 for availing 300 bags of fertilizers, however, the fertilizers have not been provided till date.
He said, the rate of a bag of fertilizer in the open market costs around Rs 950 and the subsidised rate given by the State Government is Rs 266.80 .
The farmers are protesting to make the fertilizers available to the farmers at the subsidised rate, he added.
Farmers have to run around to the market to get the expensive fertilizer at the cost of Rs 950 as it is necessary for the paddies to get bountiful harvest and quality produce as well, which is a huge inconvenience for the poor farmers, Dara lamented.
He appealed the State Government to consider the grievances of the farmers and form a policy/plan to make the fertilizers available at a subsidised rate, at all times.
Memorandum have been submitted each to the Chief Minister, Agriculture Minister, Directors and authorities concerned as well but they have managed to brush aside the grievances and necessities of the farmers, Dara added.
He cautioned that the farmers will not sway from its stand and continue their agitation if the State Government fails to give a positive response on the matter.