The minister also maintained that the department is strictly monitoring the unauthorized sale of fertilizers at a high rate and asserted that action will be taken against those found guilty
TFM Desk
Amidst media reports and posts on social media about farmers not getting urea fertilizers on time, agriculture minister O Lukhoi ruled out any possible shortage of fertilizers in the state, while urging the farmers to avail the fertilizers by providing required documents through district agriculture officers (DAOs).
Briefing media persons at his office at Old Secretariat on Monday, the minister informed that so far, 1,78,093 bags of urea fertilizers have been distributed to the farmers in the state through the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur, according to DIPR Manipur.
Lukhoi stated that the urea fertilizers are given to the farmers at a subsidized rate of Rs 266.80 per 45 Kg. It is clearly mentioned in Clause 3 (3) of the Fertilizer (Control) Order 1985 that no dealer, manufacturer or pool handling agency shall sell or offer for sale any fertilizers at a price exceeding the maximum price or rate fixed under this clause. As per the Fertilizer (Control) Order 1985, only registered certificate/license holders can carry out the sale of fertilizer, he added.
The minister also maintained that the department is strictly monitoring the unauthorized sale of fertilizers at a high rate and asserted that action will be taken against those found guilty.
Lukhoi reiterated on maintaining transparency by the concerned officials and staff while distributing the fertilizers to the farmers as it is the sole responsibility of the government to always work for the welfare of the farmers in our state.
He also expressed deep gratitude to the farmers group for their constructive ideas and suggestions.
Agriculture commissioner M Joy Singh, director Kh Lalmani Singh and all concerned officers and officials of the department were also present during the press briefing.