CM flags off fertilizer trucks, launches organic fertilizer

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 15 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand today flagged off fertilizer distribution trucks and launched an organic fertilizer ‘Oorja’ during a fertilizer distribution camp for Kharif 2026 organised by the Directorate of Agriculture at Sanjenthong.
As a part of the initiative to promote sustainable farming practices, Oorja, an organic  fertilizer, is being provided to farmers at a subsidised rate of Rs 250 per bag against its market price of Rs 480.
The Chief Minister also inspected an organic outlet opened near the venue, said a press release issued by the CM Secretariat.
Khemchand said the Government has taken up measures to ensure timely availability of fertilizers to farmers across the State.
He stated that around 1.8 lakh bags of urea were distributed till September last year, although reports of shortages were received from certain areas.
To address such concerns, fertilizer distribution is now being carried out based on Aadhaar cards, farmer cards and location-specific requirements to ensure fair and transparent allocation.
Khemchand informed that around 2 lakh bags of urea are currently available in stock and there is no shortage at present.
He said fertilizers would be distributed on a need basis and only after verification of proper documents and added that officials of the Agriculture Department would closely monitor distribution in all districts and appealed to farmers to report any grievances related to fertilizer availability to the Directorate of Agriculture.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Government’s efforts to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and gradually expand organic farming in the State.
He said around 4000 hectares have already been brought under organic cultivation and the Government is working towards bringing another 4000 hectares under organic farming in the coming years.
Agriculture Director Peter Salam said that the Agriculture Department started delivering subsidised fertilizers to farmers at their localities from 2025 so as to do away with the inconvenience of standing in long queues and incurring extra expenditure in procuring fertilizers from far off places.
To start delivery of fertilizers to farmers at their localities for this year, subsidised fertilizers would be distributed at two spots each in Imphal East, Imphal West and Bishnupur district, and one spot each in Thoubal and Kakching district, he said.
The Agriculture Director said that subsidised fertilizers will be distributed at 87 spots across the hill and valley districts within the current month.
As compared to last year’s 99 distribution points, subsidised fertilizers will be distributed to farmers at 150 spots across the State this year, he said.
At present, there are around 1.50 lakh bags of fertilizers in stock and another 50,000 bags will arrive within June, Peter said.
The Director informed that special camps will be organised for distribution of Urea to displaced farmers and farmers cultivating paddy in flood or drought-prone fields. Paddy seeds will also be distributed at these camps at the rate of Rs 6 per Kg.
Peter Salam further informed that groundnut and soyabean seeds will also be distributed free of cost to interested farmers under the Oil Seed Mission.        
The programme was attended by Thaithuilung Panmei, Agriculture Commissioner, officials of the Agriculture Department, public representatives, farmers and other stakeholders, among others.