The Hindu Business Line : Pay special attention to fertiliser supply, AP Collectors told

Hyderabad, Sept. 18 The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has asked District Collectors in the State to give special attention to the distribution of fertilisers for the ensuing rabi season.

“During the rabi season we are looking at providing around 33 lakh tonnes (lt) against 26 lt utilised last year due to the increase in the crop acreage. The total requirement will be made available and there is no need for any panic on the issue as steps have been initiated for procurement,” he said while interacting with Collectors through a video conference here on Thursday.

Dr Reddy added that the State Government through Markfed will be spending an additional Rs 850 crore for procuring and storing the stock.

He said that till end of August 23.63 lt of fertilisers had been supplied and an additional 8.81 lt will be distributed this month, so that the total requirement of 32.5 lt for kharif season will be met. He added that extra caution needs to be taken by all the officials so that the fertilisers are not moved out of the State.

SEED AVAILABILITY

According to him, the requirement of seeds during rabi this year will be around 15 lakh quintals but the Government has already procured 22 lakh quintals and the total crop area to be around 40 lakh hectares.

Dr Reddy said that Rs 83.60-crore input subsidy for crop damage is being provided and the funds will be made available shortly. “Around 1.9 lakh hectares crop was damaged due to floods, heavy rains in 13 districts and 4.13 lakh hectares were inundated,” Dr Reddy said.

SOIL TESTING

The Chief Minister also asked the Collectors to undertake soil testing and issue soil health cards to the farmers.

“Use of more fertiliser does not help in getting more yields but on the other hand causes damage. Therefore it is essential that the farmer be supplied the correct fertiliser and be informed on when and how much to use,” he said.

He also informed that the Phase-III of the Indiramma Project will commence from October 15 till the end of the month. Dr Reddy said that third phase of issuing sanction letters for pensions will also start at the same time and the pensions will be disbursed from November 1.

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