The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Book fertilizer hoarders under PD Act, says YSR

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Sunday, Jun 15, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Book fertilizer hoarders under PD Act, says YSR

Special Correspondent

Chief Minister issues directive to district Collectors

— PTI Photo

Food for thought: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy at a video conference with district Collectors in Hyderabad on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday district Collectors to take stringent action under the provisions of the Preventive Detention Act against wholesalers and retailers hoarding fertilizers.

Dr. Reddy expressed concern over the artificial scarcity being created by some dealers and farmers procuring fertilizers beyond their requirements resulting in short supply in some districts. He asked the Collectors to see that the stock position was displayed at all the delivery points and to conduct raids on godowns to unearth fertilizers stocked illegally.

Caution to SPs

He gave these instructions at a videoconference in the light of reports that farmers resorted to protests in some places against non-availability of fertilizers and seed. He, however, cautioned Collectors and Superintendents of Police not to use force on farmers when they staged demonstrations. Z

“Since this is an election year, vested interests will try to create an issue out of everything and politicise it,” Dr. Reddy reportedly said. He is learnt to have advised them to resolve the issues amicably.

No shortage

Dr. Reddy said there was no shortage of fertilizers in the present kharif seasons as adequate stocks were positioned in all the districts.

The Centre had also taken necessary measures including hiking the subsidy from Rs. 30,000 crore to Rs. 1.03 lakh crore.

Fertilizer policy

In addition, the Centre was expected to announce a new nutrient-based fertilizer policy shortly that would bring down the prices of fertilizers by Rs. 30 to Rs. 60 based on their nutrient content.

“The farmers should therefore procure the quantity required for first application so that they too can benefit from price reduction,” he said.

Dr. Reddy announced immediate lifting of restrictions on internal movement of rice to see that the prices came down.

In addition, he asked Joint Collectors to see that Grade A rice was sold at Rs. 15 to Rs. 16 a kg and Grade B at Rs. 14 a kg through the Rythu Bazaars.

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