Fertilizers sold above MRP in Ramanathapuram, complain farmers

Farmers in Ramanathapuram district report fertilizer sold above MRP, demand action from officials, including loan waivers and crop loans.

Many outlets in Ramanathapuram district were selling fertilizer above the maximum retail price (MRP), said a group of farmers here on Friday.

Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon presided over the meeting in which officials from revenue, agriculture, cooperation, forest and other departments participated.

The farmers said fertilizer was sold above MRP and despite complaints with the officials concerned, there was no action. However, the Collector said that action would be taken and assured that the fertilizer outlets shall be directed to sell the goods only at the MRP rates.

Malaichami from Paramakudi said that wild boar and deer attacked three persons recently at Muthuramalingapuram. “Nowadays, there has been a rise in threat to people living close to the reserve forest. Earlier, only the standing crops were damaged by wild animals and they attack people,” he said and urged the officials to take tangible steps to protect people and the crops.

As in other districts, Cooperative Societies should be instructed to give ₹2 lakh as crop loan as the societies in Ramanathapuram disbursed only ₹1.60 lakh, said a farmer.

Tiruvadanai farmers said that despite the Tamil Nadu government ordering the waiver of loans, Cooperation Department demanded settlement of the dues from farmers in Anjukottai, Ettukudi, Sirukambayur villages. As a result, they were not able to get new crop loans. For some time, commotion prevailed as they shouted against the officials. The Collector assured to look into the issue following which the meeting proceeded.

The Collector said that desilting of channels was going on and he hoped it would help the farmers to get water for irrigation for the ensuing season. He also said that all the farmers would get Kisan Vikas credit card as they were taking measures for issuing them.