Man-made fertiliser scarcity hits farmers

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsWith traders allegedly hoarding fertilisers, the farmers in Umerkote and Raighar blocks are forced to shell out more in the black market. The man-made scarcity is grave in these two blocks where fertiliser consumption is more than in other parts of the district.It is alleged that a few big traders have monopolised the market and are controlling the entire fertiliser business in connivance with district officials.Retailers too have alleged that the private wholesalers were not supplying fertilisers as per their requirement besides charging them extra without giving a bill.If this was not enough, the traders in Umerkote and Raighar also lend money, seeds, fertilisers and pesticides on credit at higher rates to the farmers. They make a verbal agreement with farmers prefixing the purchase rate of their produce much below the minimum support price announced by the Government. It is the small farmers who fall victim to such machinations, which is fast spreading to other parts of the district.The continuing practice can be attributed to lack of access to banking services in the district where more than 90 per cent of the population depends on agriculture. There was a need for a change in the attitude of the officials of nationalised and semi-government banks towards the poor and illiterate farmers, many opined.Admitting to exploitation of farmers in Umerkote, Raighar and Jharigam blocks, District BJD president Jayadev Parida urged the administration to intervene to safeguard the interests of the farmers.first published:January 01, 1970, 05:30 ISTlast updated:January 01, 1970, 05:30 IST
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With traders allegedly hoarding fertilisers, the farmers in Umerkote and Raighar blocks are forced to shell out more in the black market. The man-made scarcity is grave in these two blocks where fertiliser consumption is more than in other parts of the district.

It is alleged that a few big traders have monopolised the market and are controlling the entire fertiliser business in connivance with district officials.

Retailers too have alleged that the private wholesalers were not supplying fertilisers as per their requirement besides charging them extra without giving a bill.

If this was not enough, the traders in Umerkote and Raighar also lend money, seeds, fertilisers and pesticides on credit at higher rates to the farmers. They make a verbal agreement with farmers prefixing the purchase rate of their produce much below the minimum support price announced by the Government. It is the small farmers who fall victim to such machinations, which is fast spreading to other parts of the district.

The continuing practice can be attributed to lack of access to banking services in the district where more than 90 per cent of the population depends on agriculture. There was a need for a change in the attitude of the officials of nationalised and semi-government banks towards the poor and illiterate farmers, many opined.

Admitting to exploitation of farmers in Umerkote, Raighar and Jharigam blocks, District BJD president Jayadev Parida urged the administration to intervene to safeguard the interests of the farmers.