IT News
Imphal, June 25:
A farmers’ body called All Manipur Progressive Farmers’ Association (AMPFA) while drawing the attention of the government has highlighted the real issues and problem faced by the farmers of the state. Interestingly instead of denouncing or threatening for stir or any form of hostile agitation, this farmer’s body give various suggestions to resolve the hurdles being faced by the farmers.
The various issues that are highlighted by the All Manipur Progressive Farmers Association(AMPFA) includes the impact of the non availability of chemical fertilizers in Manipur which resulted low production of agricultural items, particularly the Kharif crops, as the production is very much depended on chemical fertilizers.
The association categorically stated that-Every year the issue of chemical fertilizers, above other issues related with the farmers of the state, has been a perpetual issue.
The government could not provide necessary fertilizers to the farmers at the right moment and right time. At the same time the government of Manipur, could not control and regulate the price of the fertilizers. The private or individual retailer shops sell the fertilizers at much higher rates above the MRP, sometimes more than 100SP%.
“The question arises among the people is whether the government has authorized the retailers to do so or it is being done in collusion with them by some bureaucrats/ politicians” the association statement said.
It also questioned on how the private individuals purchase the fertilizers directly from the factory or other places with the knowledge/authority of the government or without the knowledge/authority of the government. The sale of fertilizers at the prices at their own choice by such retailers shows the lapse of the government.
The statement further added that the necessity to produce Aadhar, Patta by the farmers to avail the opportunity to purchase fertilizers at subsidized rate compels the farmers to purchase the fertilizer at higher price from the private retailers. The government should frame a policy to avail the opportunity to the farmers, who are the actual tenants, by possible means.
It said due to non-hoarding of stock in advance, the farmers could not get the opportunity to purchase the fertilizers whenever needed. Time bound sale order of the government shall entail burden to the poor farmers.
And thus, farmers, compelled to purchase at higher prices from the nearby private retailers.
As per report, on many instances of blaming by the agencies of the government that the farmers instead of purchasing from the government outlets insists on purchasing from the private retailers at higher prices. The government should find out the motive behind such happenings. The above points show the truth. The farmers should not be blamed.
Given the factual account of what is actually happening the All Manipur Progressive Farmers Association (ANIPFA), Manipur put forward certain suggestions to resolve the hurdles.
Drawing the attention of the government authority, the association suggested that the government should be honest in the selection of transporters of fertilizers from outside the state.
The association urged for the needs to change the policy of assigning permission for transportation of fertilizers and also purchase of fertilizer from outside the state to the private partners. The government should take the full responsibility of purchase and transportation so that the sale and monopoly by private partners be checked.
The association said that – Misuse and malpractices in the purchase, sale and distribution of fertilizers be checked, monitored and should be dealt with seriously and Excessive hoarding of fertilizers by agents and selling at higher prices be checked, booked and punished as per law.
On the other hand Relaxation, regarding the compulsory production of Aadhar, Patta etc. It urged the government to check and control the selling of fertilizers at a higher rate by giving to those genuine farmers who actually are real tenants in getting fertilizers at subsidized rate, for which a workable policy should be framed by the government. The dealers and retailers, government authorized or private, and those wrong doers should be punished.
The association also suggested to increase the number of fertilizer outlets at remove areas. And said that the allocated fertilizers of the state should be transported and stocked in the state well in advance. No controversy, misunderstanding between the transporter and the government should be created. Those transporters who could not accomplish the assigned task should be cancelled immediately and alternative remedy be initiated by the government. If there arises any lapse on the side of the government officials, disciplinary actions should be taken up in time. The association urged to impose strict rules for not using hooks while handling the fertilizer bags so as to ensure the weight.
