The Himachal Seb Utpadak Sangh has condemned the steep hike in the prices of fertilisers and the failure of the government to make arrangements for the timely supply of various farm inputs.

Secretary of the Sangh Sanjay Chauhan said farmers, particularly apple growers who required super phosphate and potash in December, were the worst hit as these two types of fertilisers were not available. He said the apathetic attitude of the government had added to the woes of the farmers who were already undergoing financial distress due to the failure of the crop during the last season.

He alleged that the governments at the Centre as well in the state were least bothered about the farmers and they were implementing policies which undermined their economic interests. There was a steep hike in the prices of fertilisers even this year and these inputs were virtually beyond the reach of farmers.

The prices of super phosphate, potash and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) had been raised by Rs 200 to Rs 300 per bag (50 kg). Potash was now priced at Rs 575 per bag as against Rs 265 per bag last year and a bag of CAN cost Rs 925 per bag as against Rs 725 per bag last year. Similarly, the rates of super phosphate had shot up from Rs 165 to Rs 425 per bag.

Via: TribuneIndia