Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya is shifting away from chemical fertilisers. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma told the Assembly on August 27 that his government intends to reach total organic coverage. Officials are currently pushing bio-fertilisers, soil testing, and wider certification programs. Sangma stated, “We are in a transition mode, and we hope one day we will not have any chemical fertilisers.”
The policy push followed questions from Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit regarding the availability of farm inputs. The state government is actively discouraging chemical use rather than promoting it. Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira confirmed that the state monitors supply chains through the Integrated Fertiliser Management System. Dealers must now display official prices and log every transaction.
Price fixing remains a concern. Urea currently sells for Rs 266 per bag, while subsidized SSP costs Rs 800 compared to a market rate of Rs 1,200. To stop black market sales, inspectors have conducted 1,432 surprise checks. Shira urged farmers to report overcharging through CM Connect and noted that 129 inspectors are actively patrolling. Shira also dismissed claims that supplies are being diverted to Bangladesh, citing that consumption in the Garo Hills stays low.
Market volatility also took center stage. Cabbage prices plunged to Rs 2 per kg in July, a recurring seasonal dip blamed on a supply surge from neighboring states. Prices have since climbed to Rs 20-25 per kg. The government is now reviewing supply chains in Guwahati to mitigate future crashes, refusing to label the recent drop as a systemic collapse.
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