Urea shortage in MP

Bhopal, Dec 22 (UNI) With urea in short supply for the rabi crop in Madhya Pradesh, a close vigil was being maintained to avoid black-marketing and hoarding of urea, official sources said today.

Of the state's total demand for 8 lakh tonnes of urea for the rabi crop, the state received 5.41 lakh tonnes till yesterday, the sources said, adding serious efforts were on to procure more fertiliser from the Union Government.

With the fertiliser arrival getting a boost in the past one week, the government instructed officials to streamline its distribution through cooperative societies and the private sector.

While Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan monitors urea distribution, the Agriculture Director keeps a tab on arrival and distribution.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahni has issued instructions for close monitoring of fertiliser and power supply situation in order to maintain the law and order situation.

He said reports were being received that the farmers were lifting fertiliser stock, which can last upto February next year.

This is resulting in shortage of fertiliser, he said.

Agriculture Secretary Pravesh Sharma said a target had been set to distribute eight lakh tonnes of fertiliser till February, 2007.

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