Minister for Agriculture Prathipati Pulla Rao has vowed to crack down on illegal hoarding of fertilizers and warned that errant dealers would be blacklisted if they continue to sell fertilizers on higher prices than MRPs.
The Minister’s statement came in the wake of reports that farmers had been forced to pay higher prices for procuring fertilizers from dealers, with the latter allegedly hoarding the stocks and selling them at prices as per their whim and fancy.
“Three cases have been registered against fertilizer dealers in Guntur district alone and I have instructed all agricultural officers to conduct surprise checks at the depots,” Mr. Pulla Rao told the media at the end of a video conference held with agricultural officers of 13 districts of the State on Monday. The Minister also warned those selling inferior quality of bio-fertilisers of severe action.
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The Minister said that dealers would be given 5-7 days to keep the fertilizer stocks with them and if they exceed the time limit, they would have to inform the respective Agricultural Department officials.
“Sufficient stock of Urea and complex fertilizers is available in the State, in spite of the closure of the Nagarjuna Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd (NFCL). Only two districts, Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam, have sought additional quantities,” he informed.
‘Polam Pilustondi’ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Pulla Rao said that the total requirement of Urea in the State was 7.58 Metric Tonnes, out of which 5.9 MT had been made available. An additional rake of Urea was in transit and would reach the godowns soon, he said, adding that he was in regular touch with Union Agricultural Ministry pertaining to supply of fertilizers.
Later, the Minister said ‘Polam Pilustondi’ would be taken up on every Tuesday and Wednesday to create awareness on best agricultural practices to farmers.
He said that Agricultural Technological Management Agency (ATMA) would play a major role in organising interactive meetings with farmers and scientists.