Imphal: Agriculture Minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh informed that 1,78,093 bags of urea fertilizers have so far been distributed to the farmers in Manipur through the Department of Agriculture, Manipur. This was stated by the Minister while briefing the media at his Office at Old Secretariat Monday.
While he ruled out any possible shortage of fertilizers in the State, Lukhoi urged the farmers to avail the fertilizers by providing required documents through District Agriculture Officers (DAOs).
Minister 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, he added. As per the Fertilizer (Control) Order 1985, only registered certificate/license holders can carry out the sale of fertilizer. He further said the Department has strictly monitored the unauthorized sale of fertilizers at a high rate and action will be taken against those found guilty.
The Agriculture Minister stressed the need to maintain transparency by the concerned officials and staff while distributing fertilizers to the farmers as it is the responsibility of the government to work for the welfare of the farmers in our state.
Minister Lukhoi also expressed deep gratitude to Farmers Group for their constructive ideas and suggestions.
Commissioner, Agriculture, M. Joy Singh, Director, Agriculture, Kh. Lalmani Singh and all concerned officers and officials of the Department were also present during the press briefing.
