Shortage of fertilizers in Valley, Govt writes to Union Minister

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 29- Shortage of fertilizers has hit farmers and fruit growers of state badly to the extent that the Minister of Horticulture had to intervene and on Wednesday urged central government to step in to resolve the issue.

Apple Growers Associations had recently called upon the Horticulture Minister, Syed Basharat Burkhari,  regarding shortage of fertilizers in the valley ‘due to lack of proper infrastructure and transportation facilities at Udhampur Rack Point’.

“It has caused inordinate delay in the transportation of fertilizers to Kashmir Valley, especially during the peak months of the season leading to irreparable loss,” growers had told Bukhari.

On Wednesday Burkhari has sought intervention by the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar to resolve the concern of farmer and fruit growers regarding shortage of fertilizers in the valley.

In his communication to the Union Minister, Bukhari has urged upon  Union Minister for early action on the issue of allowing fertilizer companies to transport the fertilizer from Jammu/Udhampur rack Point to the Kashmir Valley besides Railway Out Agency (ROA) to facilitate the farmers with adequate and timely supply of fertilizers.