IMPHAL, May 27: The first phase of rice cultivation started in Manipur and farmers in most of the places have undertaken the preparation work for the second phase of rice cultivation. Taking this into consideration, the Agriculture Department under the Manipur government will make a bag of fertilizer available with farmers at Rs 278.80 in the hills and valley districts for the rice cultivation this year. Befitting action will be taken up against dealers who overcharge farmers.
This was stated by the Director of Agriculture Department, Shamu Kabui at a meeting with IFP at his office chambers at Sanjenthong.
The Director further said that the Manipur government has plenty of fertilizers in stock, adding that MT 75 fertilizers were transported from outside Manipur in April and the necessary action has been taken up to bring in the state quota for May without fail. The shorter way for transportation of fertilizers is along the National Highway – 37 rather than the National Highway – 2 as the fertilizers are loaded from Silchar.
The central government gave Rs 1.92 only as freight subsidy to transporters till March 2012 but the freight subsidy increased to 9.08 per Metric ton per kilometre from April 2012 onwards.
However, now authorized dealers have refused to transport fertilizers for farmers from outside Manipur though the subsidy has increased and decline to submit challans with the subsidy rate as Rs 1.92 for reimbursement, the Director stated.
However, the farmers should not be worried as fertilizers will be made available at the rate fixed by the government and befitting stringent legal actions will be taken up against dealers if they are found overcharging farmers, he said.
On the other hand, the department flagged off an exposure tour to Tejpur district of Assam under its sponsorship. Rajesh Agarwal, Commissioner of the Department flagged off the tour.
The exposure team included 20 officials including that of Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) .
Officials of the team will observe the conditions of cultivation and on their return to Manipur, they will instruct farmers.