Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Ensure Availability Of Fertilizers At Reasonable Prices To Farmers In The ... on 17 August, 2010
> Title: Need to ensure availability of fertilizers at reasonable prices to farmers in the country particularly in Parbhani Parliamentary Constituency, Maharashtra.
SHRI GANESHRAO NAGORAO DUDHGAONKAR (PARBHANI): I would like to raise the serious issue of fertilizer shortage in the country and problem being faced by the farmers in procuring fertilizer in my Parbhani Constituency. Farmers are not getting fertilizer products owing to hoarding by some dealers, and farmers are alleging that they are getting fertilizer after making excess payment to the dealers. The State and Central Government are claiming that there is no shortage of fertilizer. But this is not truth. Due to shortage the farmers are agitating in various parts of the country.
Shortage of fertilizers would lead to downfall in agriculture output. Now, food price inflation is high and decline in farm output would result in a further hike in food prices. Protest in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and many other states have resulted into the death of farmers and injuries to several others. In my Constituency also, farmers are badly affected due to fertilizer shortage. Many farmers were seriously injured, when police opened fire at a group of agitating farmers, who were demanding fertilizers during the month of July-August. This is not a good sign for achieving agriculture growth. I, therefore, urge the Government to review the supply and demand of fertilizers in the country and ensure its availability in Parbhani Constituency of Maharashtra.