Agri inputs crisis

Only the other day, we regretted over lack of fertiliser and diesel importation despite an acute scarcity of the items and their spiraling prices. Irri-boro production is critically reliant on irrigation water. Pumps are either diesel or electricity-run, and they can't operate at the optimal level due to shortage of diesel and power shedding. Despite the PM's instructions for an immediate importation of potash, no consignment seemed in sight. Similarly the energy ministry has yet to respond to the agriculture ministry's request for an early import of diesel to help irrigate boro plots.

There is no doubt whatsoever that farmers need subsidies on 'all inputs including potash, diesel and seeds' as the agriculture minister has rightly pointed out. Why is the finance ministry dragging its foot on the SOS call for grant of subsidies to the irri-boro farmers?

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

There is sufficient ground to convene an inter-ministerial, if not a cabinet, meeting to draw up a contingency strategy to resolve the inputs crisis dogging irri-boro productivity. We believe, the PM has to step in to make a difference in the situation.