Farmers’ body unhappy with use of organic fertilisers

SHILLONG: The farmers’ union in the state has written to the government against its decision to curb use of pesticides and chemicals.
In a recent memorandum to the commissioner and secretary of the Agriculture Department, P. Sampath, the Joint Action Committee of All Meghalaya Farmers’ Union said, reduction in the use of chemicals has adversely affected production of many vegetables.
“Steps taken by the government to reduce indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides by phasing out all subsidies on inorganic pesticides from the state plan as well as central schemes have completely shaken normal production, especially of potatoes and tomatoes which are normally most producible when urea  is used as fertiliser rather than organic fertiliser,” the memorandum stated.
They asserted that climate change due to global warming, scanty rainfall, scarcity of water and inefficient water management system have further aggravated the existing problems of biotic stresses. The association has urged the State to implement the Crops Insurance Scheme, financial aid to farmers affected by calamities in 2014 and soil testing for scientific advices to farmers.
However, they pointed out that the State Agriculture Mission that was launched on October 16, 2014, at 5th Polo Ground to promote agriculture as an organised industrial enterprise has brought hope to beekeepers in the State.