Appealing to the officials to address the shortage of fertilisers, the farmers’ said that all the outlets across Virudhunagar district should be thoroughly checked so as to ensure that adequate stocks were in place.

Speaking at the monthly farmers’ grievances redress meeting held here on Friday, Collector N. O. Sukhaputra said that the officials have been instructed in this regard and action has been taken to keep ample stocks in the authorised outlets. The Department of Agriculture officials also said that training would be imparted to the farmers on productive use of urea and fertilizer during the season.

When some of the farmers raised the issue of maize price falling steeply due to abundant quantity coming into the markets, the officials suggested them to stock the produce in regulated markets and sell them at a later stage.

The farmers suggested that paddy bags be transported to godowns as unseasonal rains and strong winds may destroy them. They cited instances reported in neighbouring districts a week ago, where paddy bags left in the open, were soaked in the rains.

The farmers requested that steps be taken to issue farmer registration cards at the earliest. The District Collector instructed the officials to take steps to issue the cards to the unregistered farmers by organising special camps through e-seva centers.

 Farmers in Srivilliputhur, Watrap and Rajapalayam areas requested that steps be taken to provide compensation for the loss of flowers on mango trees. The Collector said a joint inspection by the Horticulture and Revenue department officers would be conducted in this regard.

 The farmers said that they have been demanding the government to establish cotton procurement centers in Aruppukottai and Rajapalayam, where the density was high.

Joint Director (Agriculture) Mohandas Sowmyan, DD (Horticulture) Suba Vasuki, PA (Agriculture) to Collector A Amsaveni and among other officers participated.