Gariaband. From April 1, the distribution of agricultural loans and agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers to the farmers at zero percent interest has started in the co-operative societies of the district. Deputy Director Agriculture Sandeep Bhoi said that at present Urea 3552, Super Phosphate 1419, D.A.P. 2420, Potash 240, N.P.K. 337 metric tonnes and sufficient quantity of vermi compost has been stored. 266.66 of urea at the price fixed by the government for the farmers in the cooperative societies of the district, DAP. Rs.1350, N.P.K. 1470 and Potash is being distributed at the rate of Rs. 1700 per bag. Due to national and international factors, the supply of fertilizers was disrupted in the past years, keeping this in mind, an appeal has been made to the farmers for advance lifting. As the demand for fertilizers increases as the Kharif season approaches, the supply of fertilizers is affected. Presently sufficient quantity of fertilizers is being supplied and fertilizers are easily available.
Farmers must do advance lifting to avoid the problems of fertilizer shortage. Due to the zero percent interest rate, the farmers will not have to pay any additional amount even after raising the advance. At present vermicompost manure is being distributed to the farmers through cooperative societies. Vermicompost contains 0.51 to 1.61 percent nitrogen, 0.19 to 1.02 percent phosphorus, 0.15 to 0.73 percent potash and 9.8 to 13.4 percent organic carbon. The use of vermicompost improves soil health, increases soil’s water holding capacity, increases soil fertility as well as provides other nutrients to crops, which increases crop yield. An appeal was made to all the farmers that they must lift fertilizer and vermicompost in advance at the rates fixed by the government. All farmers should buy fertilizers through 100% PoS and must take the slip, so that black marketing of fertilizers can be stopped.
