Editorial
Boro farming faces hurdles
Inter-ministerial approach imperative
The seasonal Irri cultivation is hitting all sorts of snag in the northern region of the country. As is common knowledge the basic inputs for Boro farming are: irrigated water and fertilisers like urea, potash, TSP et cetera. Eighty-five per cent of 4.5 lakh irrigation pumps are diesel-run. This crucial fuel is in short supply. Its availability fell to 9.35 lakh litres per day between February 15 and 23 from the level of about 35 lakh litres as previously recorded. The supply failure is largely man-made. First, 'irregularities in the bidding process', delayed import of the fuel. The accusative finger is pointed to the ministerial oil procurement committee. Then a diesel consignment awaits unloading at Mongla. As if that was not enough, petrol pumps are allegedly hoarding diesel to jack up its price taking advantage of the scarcity situation. If the supply side was strong enough through timely importation and unloading of cargo, the petrol pumps couldn't have played foul through stockpiling and speculative trading.Just as the diesel sold dearer so have the fertiliser prices shot up -- well beyond the capacity of the farmers to lay their hands on the basic inputs. In the drier northern swathe of the country boro being the potential principal supplementation to their agricultural income, the sense of loss can be enormous. It is highly imperative that the ministries of agriculture, petroleum and power get their act together in order to revamp the supply side of inputs. If necessary, short term loans maybe given to farmers. This is the thick of irri season and the time is running out for a turn-around in the cultivation situation. Could we draw the attention of the highest authority to the need for a timely intervention?
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