Collector orders action against shops selling fertilizer at inflated prices in Ramanathapuram

Farmers in Ramanathapuram district during the farmers grievance redress meeting here on Friday accused officials of failing to take action against fertilizer sellers who sell fertilizers at inflated prices.

During the meeting, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association district functionaries Muthuramu, Mayilvahanan, and farmer Kannappan, among several other farmers, stated: “Drought relief for last year has not yet been disbursed. Crop insurance compensation has also not been received by the majority of farmers. Crop cultivation work for this year has begun, and farmers are struggling without money.”

The Joint Director of Agriculture stated: “Crop insurance compensation amounting to ₹12 crore has been disbursed in the district so far. A list of farmers with discrepancies has been prepared and sent. It will be provided to them as well shortly.”

Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran stated: “We have sent a report to the government requesting drought relief and are continuously following up. It will be disbursed once funds are allocated.”

Under the leadership of farmers’ association functionary Gavaskar, more than 20 farmers staged a protest inside the meeting hall, stating that the list of beneficiaries for the crop loan waiver amounting to ₹4.75 crore for 517 farmers at the Mavoor Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Society in Tiruvadanai taluk has not been released. They stated that crop loans and fertilizers for this year are being denied to farmers there. Because an inquiry is under way regarding irregularities committed by officials at the cooperative society, the crop loan waiver has not been received. They demanded that crop loans and fertilizers be provided.

The Collector instructed the Joint Registrar of Cooperatives to ensure that fertilizers are provided to the farmers within a week. He stated that an inquiry would be conducted regarding the crop loan waiver and action would be taken.

Farmers Nagarethinam stated, “Urea and other fertilizers are being sold at inflated prices in fertiliser shops in Paramakudi and Parthibanur. Despite lodging complaints with Agriculture Department officials, no action has been taken.”

The Collector questioned: “When farmers lodge complaints with evidence of having purchased fertilizers at inflated prices, why have the licences of the fertilizer vendors not been cancelled?” adding, “Immediate action must be taken against those fertilizer shops,” he ordered the agricultural officers.