TED NewsDesk, New Delhi: Farmers are agitated by the sudden increase in the prices of fertilisers.
The commonly used fertilisers like DAP’s (Di-ammonium phosphate) price is increased by Rs 700 along with cotton seeds which saw a hike of Rs 35 per packet. Protesting against these hikes, the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) blocked the Amritsar-Ferozepur road near Chabba village.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary, KMSC, said that the state government has failed in presenting farmers in a proper manner. He said increased prices of fertilisers and cotton seeds would increase input cost, which would affect farming community.
Pandher sees this as an attempt to break the unity amongst farmers.“The Central Government is trying to turn one section against the other to end the agitation. All those associated with agriculture are united,” said Pandher. The KMSC leaders said a massive rally would be held to demand the repeal of the three agricultural laws.
The committee also announced to organise protests at Ram Tirath, Kathunagal and Jallianwala Bagh on April 11, 12 and 13, respectively.
However, the Centre on Friday advised fertiliser firms not to raise the price of non-urea fertilisers such as DAP and to sell at current prices. Following a rise in domestic retail prices of non-urea soil nutrients in line with the global market.
Non-urea fertilisers such as di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MoP), and NPK have no price controls and are set by suppliers, although the Centre provides them with annual fixed subsidies.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed this to PTI.”The Indian government convened a high-level meeting and ordered fertiliser companies not to raise the price of DAP, MoP, and NPK, and fertiliser companies agreed,” he said.
