IMPHAL, May 29: The All Manipur Fertilizer Dealers Welfare Association today called a press conference announcing that the even though the Agriculture Director has announced that a bag of Urea will be made available at the rate of Rs 278.80, the authorized dealers are unable to do so because the dealers transport their fertilizers from Namarup, Assam while the Directorate transport its fertilizer from Silchar.
Speaking at the press conference, president Y Iboyaima said, the dealers cannot subsidize their rate to the one announced by the Director.
He continued that even though the Director has made the announcement to provide the fertilizer at subsidized rate, it is still not made available in the market.
He continued that the authorities have failed to acknowledge the dealers` appeal to use their fertilizers as buffer stock.
Appeals of the dealers to load fertilizers from Silchar have also been turned down by the authorities, he said.
While, Namarup is 540 kms far from Imphal, Silchar is only 260 km far, he said.
He further alleged that even after the Director had announced the subsidized rates of Rs 278.80 per bag, farmers are getting a bag of fertilizer at the rate of Rs 350 to 400.
He further expressed that there are certain individuals who bring in fertilizers from outside the state in an illegal manner.
He continued that the association will take action against anyone found selling fertilizer at more than the announced price of Rs 278.80, he said.