There is a drastic need for Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP) for agriculture in Odisha. But the Centre and the State Governments are sparing over it, said the Odisha Kisan Congress.
The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister is claiming that there is an adequate supply of fertilisers to Odisha, but the Chief Minister is saying there is acute shortage in fertilisers supply. From this, it can be easily guessed how both the Governments are concerned for the farmers, remarked Pradesh Kisan Congress president Amiya Kumar Pattanaik on Tueday.
The Centre should supply the State’s quota at appropriate time and the State should ensure its efficient distribution and ensure that it is not black-marketed. In the recent floods, lakhs of farmers have been affected in 15 districts in the State. At this critical juncture, the BJD and the BJP should not indulge in a political slugfest, said Pattanaik.
Besides, to mitigate the miseries of the farmers affected by the floods, the State Government should make an early assessment of crop damage and provide immediate assistance, proper seeds and pesticides to farmers, he said.
Steps should also be taken to waive farm loans and arrange interest-free loans for the next rabi crops, Pattanaik added.
