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Dimapur, March 19 (EMN): Department of Agriculture organised a state-level orientation programme for fertiliser inspectors on March 18 in the conference hall of its directorate, Kohima.
An update from the department stated that its additional director-I, C Peter Yanthan, highlighted the importance of fertilisers in agriculture farming. He informed that under the Fertilisers Control Order (FCO) 1985, the government of India has declared fertilizer as an essential commodity under the Essential Commodity Act, 1955. As per provision of the FCO, he stated that fertilisers which meet the standard of quality laid down in the order should only be sold to the farmers.
In order to make available variety of fertilisers as per the soil requirement, he stated that different grades of fertilisers including bio-fertilisers, organic fertilisers, city compost and vermin compost are notified under FCO. He added that a committee advises the central government on matters relating to inclusion of new fertilisers under FCO and its specification.
Peter also stated that India imports 50 lakh ton of urea worth more than a billion dollar every year. He added that subsidies are given for manufacturing neem coated urea. In 2015, subsidy was enhanced from 35% to 75% for neem coated urea, he stated.
He further requested the officials to educate farmers in the field of agriculture when they go back to their respective areas.
Resource persons and deputy director, Dr. James Chawang, has stressed on the duties and responsibilities of fertilisers inspectors and types of fertilisers commonly used in agriculture.
The state-level orientation programme was followed with an interaction. The programme was chaired by the joint director, Hewoto Sema.