MP CM Mohan Yadav directs officials to take strict action against black marketing of fertilisers

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 28 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a meeting with district collectors and commissioners via video conferencing to review soybean procurement, fertiliser availability, and distribution with district collectors and commissioners at CM House on Saturday.

CM Yadav directed officials to strict action should be taken against those involved in black marketing, adulteration, misbranding, and the sale of fake fertilisers.

“When the demand for fertilisers increases, there is a possibility of black marketing, illegal hoarding, and the production of Fake fertilisers. Strict action should be taken against those involved in black marketing, adulteration, misbranding, and the sale of fake fertilisers. Continuous monitoring should be ensured on the movement of fertilisers from one district to another to control illegal transportation. Action should also be taken against black marketeers and illegal traders under the National Security Act (NSA), as per regulations,” CM Yadav said.

He also assured that there was an adequate supply of fertilisers in the state for Kharif 2024-25.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving soybean procurement in Madhya Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme and instructed officials to make appropriate arrangements for procurement.

The Chief Minister also emphasised promoting the use of NPK fertiliser and liquid nano urea instead of DAP, to reduce the nation’s dependency on other countries. He expressed satisfaction over the increased use of NPK fertilisers in Kharif 2024, reaching 45 percent, up from only 26 percent in 2023-24.

The CM further also directed the district collectors to ensure that the revenue department, in collaboration with public representatives, assess crop damage accurately.

CM Yadav instructed officials to coordinate with the Agricultural Production Commissioner for necessary actions regarding double-lock storage of fertilisers.

“Strict action should be taken against those involved in the sale, storage, or transportation of substandard fertilisers and seeds. Make solid arrangements for the distribution of fertilisers for Rabi 2024-25, in line with the current Kharif season,” CM said.

The Chief Minister highlighted that there is also an adequate supply of fertilisers for the upcoming Rabi 2024-25 season and asked district collectors to coordinate with senior officials to ensure smooth distribution without any disruptions.

He emphasised promoting natural farming in line with PM Modi’s vision and encouraged farmers to use NPK and liquid nano urea. He also instructed officials to respond to the demand made by Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat for an additional three fertiliser racks in the Malwa region and to open additional sales counters at double-lock centres to streamline fertiliser distribution.

“Soybean procurement under the Price Support Scheme should be conducted with sensitivity. The state government would procure soybean beyond the quantity determined by the central government. The registration of farmers on the e-procurement portal started on September 25, and the registration process will continue until October 20. Slot booking for procurement will take place until 21 December. Soybean will be procured from October 25 to December 31, 2024 at 1,400 centres across the state, and changes may be made as necessary,” CM said.

Payments to farmers will be made online. Soybean procurement will be conducted everywhere except for seven districts: Datia, Bhind, Katni, Mandla, Balaghat, Sidhi, and Singrauli. Proposals from these districts will be considered if submitted, he added.