Bhubaneswar, 17 April (H.S.): Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the availability and distribution of fertilizers for the upcoming Kharif season, stressing the need to ensure timely supply to farmers across Odisha.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister held discussions with district collectors through video conferencing and directed officials to prioritize last-mile delivery, particularly for small and marginal farmers. He also highlighted concerns over potential global supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and urged authorities to remain vigilant.

Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav informed that the Centre has allocated 1.14 million metric tonnes of fertilizers to Odisha for the current year. Against the estimated requirement of 79,630 metric tonnes for April, the state already has a stock of 3,61,490 metric tonnes as of April 15. The distribution network includes 1,029 wholesale dealers and 12,093 retail dealers, with supply from fertilizer companies continuing smoothly.

Officials also reported that inspections at dealer points have led to the cancellation of six licenses due to irregularities. The Chief Minister was apprised of the implementation of the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (IFMS), introduced by the Union Ministry of Fertilizers, which facilitates real-time monitoring of fertilizer availability and allocation.

Reviewing district-wise stock positions, Majhi noted that the state currently has around 1.77 lakh metric tonnes of urea and over 60,000 metric tonnes of DAP in reserve. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that ensuring accessibility at the grassroots level remains the top priority.

Issuing clear directives, the Chief Minister called for stringent action against black marketing and hoarding. He instructed officials to conduct surprise inspections, register FIRs against violators, and cancel licenses where necessary. He also directed enhanced surveillance at interstate border check posts to prevent diversion of fertilizers, with joint monitoring by police and agriculture departments.

Expressing concern over the misuse of subsidized urea for industrial purposes, Majhi asked district-level task forces to take strict measures to curb such practices. He further directed that Vigilance Committees be constituted in all Gram Panchayats within the next few days to strengthen monitoring at the local level.

On the digital front, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to expedite the creation of Digital Farmer IDs. He noted that 15 lakh farmers have already been covered out of a total of 44 lakh and said the initiative would enhance transparency and ensure targeted delivery of benefits.

Additionally, he called for awareness campaigns to promote balanced fertilizer use and encouraged farmers to adopt alternatives such as organic manure and Nano Urea to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda