6 days ago
Meghalaya Targets India’s Largest Organic Farming Coverage, CM Says
Meghalaya wants more farmers to use organic methods instead of chemical fertilisers.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state hopes to become India’s leader in organic farming.
The government is introducing bio-fertilisers and testing soil to help farmers make the change.
It says chemical fertilisers may eventually be phased out.
Some farmers had raised concerns about fertiliser prices and possible overcharging.
Officials said urea costs Rs 266 per bag and subsidised single super phosphate costs Rs 800 per bag.
Cabbage prices had dropped sharply in July but later recovered to Rs 20-25 per kg.
The government said extra supplies from other northeastern states and floods may have caused the earlier price fall.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Meghalaya aims to have the country’s largest organic farming coverage.
The government plans to discourage chemical fertilisers, expand bio-fertiliser use and eventually phase out chemical fertilisers.
Cabbage prices rose to Rs 20-25 per kg after falling to Rs 2 per kg in July.
The government attributed the July price crash to increased supplies from northeastern states and possibly floods.
Officials said fertiliser prices and distribution are being monitored through inspections, online systems and permits.
- Who
- Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Timothy D Shira, and Opposition MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.
- What
- The Meghalaya government outlined plans to expand organic farming, discourage chemical fertiliser use and address cabbage-price and fertiliser-distribution concerns.
- Where
- The Meghalaya Assembly, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
- When
- The statements were made in the Meghalaya Assembly on Thursday, August 27.
- Why
- The government wants to increase organic coverage and respond to concerns about falling cabbage prices, fertiliser pricing, overcharging and possible diversion.
Government position
Opposition concerns
Organic transition
Government position
The government says Meghalaya is transitioning toward extensive organic coverage, introducing bio-fertilisers and seeking to eventually eliminate chemical fertilisers.
Opposition concerns
Opposition MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit raised questions about farmers allegedly being forced to buy single super phosphate.
Fertiliser pricing and availability
Government position
Officials said fertiliser prices are subsidised or controlled, monitoring is ongoing, and black marketing can lead to licence cancellation.
Opposition concerns
The opposition raised concerns about alleged overcharging and the reported sale of single super phosphate at Rs 900 per bag.
Cabbage price collapse
Government position
The government said the July fall was a recurring seasonal trend linked mainly to increased supplies from other northeastern states, with floods possibly contributing.
Opposition concerns
The price crash was raised in the Assembly as a concern for farmers, with the opposition seeking an explanation for the sharp decline.
Key facts
- Organic farming goal
- Meghalaya aims to become the Indian state with the largest organic farming coverage.
- Chemical fertilisers
- The government wants to discourage their use and eventually phase them out.
- Cabbage prices
- Prices recovered from Rs 2 per kg in July to Rs 20-25 per kg.
- Urea price
- Urea was stated to cost Rs 266 per bag.
- SSP price
- Single super phosphate was available at a subsidised Rs 800 per bag, compared with a market price of Rs 1,200.
- Fertiliser inspections
- Officials reported 1,432 surprise checks, while 129 inspectors were conducting regular checks.
- Sales monitoring
- Retailers must display notified rates and upload sales to the Integrated Fertiliser Management System.
Quotes
Conrad K Sangma
Chief Minister of Meghalaya
“We are not here to encourage but to discourage use of fertilisers. Bio-fertilisers have been introduced. We are in a transition mode, and we hope one day we will not have any chemical fertilisers.”
theprint.in
“We have notified certain areas where fertilisers can be used or are being used, and beyond that we are not allowing it, as we want to discourage use of fertiliser.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Meghalaya Intensifies Fertiliser Checks Amid Shift Toward Organic Farming
Telangana government prioritizes organic farming, better market access for farmers
Tea Growers Seek Complete Ban on Monocrotophos Pesticide in Jalpaiguri
Bengal Government to Meet Small Growers Over Fertiliser Limits
Kerala Minister Flags Pesticide Residues in Food Samples