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MLAs worried over fertiliser scarcity in Odisha

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Press Trust of India Bhubaneswar
Last Updated : Jan 25 2013 | 4:04 AM IST

The issue was raised during zero-hour in assembly where Members of both treasury bench and opposition said the farmers were not getting adequate fertiliser that could affect agricultural productivity.

While BJD member Amar Prasad Satpathy sought a statement from the agriculture minister over the fertiliser scarcity, BJP legislator Jaynarayan Mishra demanded a special debate over the issue.

"There has been three-fold increase in the prices of fertiliser. While the state government and Centre have entered into a blame game, the farmers are at the receiving end. The unscrupulous traders are taking benefit out of it," said Congress Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan, demanding a full fledged debate over the issues.

Former minister and BJD member Pratap Jena admitted the prices of fertiliser had gone up.

The House expressed concern over the issue and said any delay in supply could damage kharif crops.

Revenue and Disaster Minister S N Patro said cultivation activities have been delayed in the state due to late monsoon.

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The state government would take steps to give assistance to farmers for any crop loss, he said.

Admitting there was inadequate rainfall in the months of June and July, the minister said the situation improved at many places due to good rains in August. "The district collectors have been asked to keep a vigil on the situation due to deficit rainfall," the Minister said in a written reply.

  

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First Published: Aug 29 2012 | 5:15 PM IST

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