Will consult CM on free or subsidised fertilisers: Lukhoi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 21 2021: While stating that efforts are being made to prevent any issues regarding distribution of fertilisers as witnessed in the past; Agriculture minister O Lukhoi has assured of consulting with the Chief Minister on whether to provide the fertilisers to farmers for free or at subsidised rate, taking into account of the pandemic situation.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle though the telephone, Lukhoi explained that the government imposed curfew with the aim of curbing the spread of the virus and save precious lives.

It was never intended to make the people suffer, as clearly indicated by the distribution of free rice to the people under PMGKAY.

In line with this, the government recently distributed high yielding seeds-RCM12 and RCM 13 to the farmers for free through the district agriculture officers, in addition to directing the DAOs concerned not to collect money from the farmers in their respective districts for the same, he added.

Regarding fertilisers, the minister informed that around 3 racks of fertilisers are currently in stock and funds have been sanctioned to purchase another rack from outside the state, while the finance department is in the process of sanctioning funds for another rack.

However, with regard to whether the fertilisers will be distributed to farmers for free or at subsided rates, Lukhoi assured of talking with the CM so as to make a solid decision on the matter.

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