Farmers condemns shortage of chemical fertilizers
Kisan Sangharsh Samiti showed concern about the shortage of fertilizers in the state condemned the indifference attitude of the state government towards affected farmers.
Convenor of KSS Sanjay Chauhan said in a press statement issued here today that farmers especially apple orchards are in dire need of fertilizers however government could not provide enough fertilizers in the state.
Apple growers are forced to take expensive and low quality fertilizers from the open market.
Terming goverment anti-farmer he said that agriculture and horticulture subsidised are being reduced in the state increased the prices of fertilizers.
If the government does not immediately provide fertilizers to the farmers at a reasonable price as per the demand, then the KSS would mobilize the farmers and fight against anti-farmer policies and attitudes of the government, he warned.
He said that farmers are waiting supply of fertilizers in the state after having recent good spell of snowfall.
The prices of fertilizers in the open market have been increased drastically as compared to last year.
NPK 12:32:16, NPK 15:15:15, but these fertilizers are not available anywhere and now the gardeners are forced to buy low quality fertilizers from the open market.
This will reduce the productivity of apples in future, due to which the crisis of horticulture would deepen and the economy of the state will be badly affected due to the destruction of the economy of apples.
Till date, fertilizers have been provided by the government in the state through HIMFED.
But due to the poor system of the government, orders for necessary fertilizers were not given by HIMFED in time, due to which the crisis of fertilizers has arisen today.
Last year, a 25 kg bag of calcium nitrate, which was getting Rs 1100 to 1250 is now getting Rs.1300 to 1750 . A 50 kg bag of potash, which was available for Rs 1150 last year, is now being priced at Rs 1750.
NPK 12:32:16 The price of which was Rs 1200 last year has also been increased to Rs 1750, despite this neither potash fertilizer is available nor NPK 12:32:16 is available.
HPMC is forcibly providing fertilizers to farmers in lieu of payment of their dues which is organised loot by charging exorbitant prices of fertilizers that of open market.
Govt should forthwith stop this exploitive practice and render pending payment of the arrears of apple crop in cash, he demanded.
