No tolerance for arbitrary actions by fertilizer companies: Vijay Kumar Sinha

Patna: The state government has adopted a stern stance on the alleged arbitrariness and discriminatory policies of certain companies in the fertilizer distribution system in Bihar. State Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has directed concerned officials to investigate the matter and take necessary action. He clarified that no compromise will be tolerated regarding the interests of farmers and fertilizer dealers.

According to reports received today, some fertilizer dealers met the Agriculture Minister to complain that some fertilizer companies are refusing to supply fertilizer to traders who oppose the mandatory tagging of other products with fertilizer. They alleged that the companies are issuing Form-E only to selected dealers and supplying fertilizer to them on a priority basis.

As a result of this discriminatory practice, the fertilizer distribution system in various districts has become unbalanced. Some dealers have excess fertilizer, while other traders are unable to get the required quantity. Farmers are also bearing the brunt of this, facing difficulties in obtaining fertilizer. The complaining traders expressed anger at the companies' attitude and even threatened to return their fertilizer selling licenses.

Taking the matter seriously, Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha directed Agriculture Director Meesh Kumar Lal to conduct a proper investigation into the entire matter and take necessary action. Following the minister's directive, the regional manager of the concerned company was summoned to the department, and a meeting was held on the matter in the minister's presence. Subsequently, the concerned company was contacted immediately and necessary instructions were given.

According to the department, as a result of this action, the concerned company immediately issued Form-E to the complaining fertilizer dealer and also agreed to supply fertilizer from the Kharagpur rack point. Thus, an immediate solution was found to the complainant's problem.

The Agriculture Minister said that the state government and the agriculture department are providing all possible cooperation to fertilizer companies. In return, companies are also expected to cooperate with the state while keeping in mind the interests of Bihar's farmers and fertilizer dealers. He stated that after the Chhath festival, a comprehensive review will be conducted of the operations of fertilizer companies, the issuance of Form-E, fertilizer allocation, and the distribution system at the district level.

Vijay Kumar Sinha said in strong terms that if any company deliberately causes trouble to Bihar's farmers or fertilizer dealers or adopts discriminatory policies in fertilizer distribution, action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order. If necessary, the central government will also be informed for other measures, including stopping the government subsidy of the concerned company.

He said that making the availability and distribution system of fertilizer in the state transparent, balanced, and farmer-friendly is the department's top priority. The fertilizer business in Bihar will run on the basis of rules, transparency, and equal opportunities, not on the whim of any company. Providing fertilizer to farmers in time and in appropriate quantities is the government's basic responsibility.