Patna, 28 March (ABN) - Agriculture Minister Ram Krishna Yadav said on Wednesday that providing farmers with fertilizers in a timely manner, in adequate quantity, and at a fixed price is the top priority of the state government, and any kind of negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.

Agriculture Minister Mr. Yadav held a high-level review meeting regarding the availability of fertilizers in the state and the possible impact on the agricultural sector in view of the increasing tension in West Asia. The meeting also included agricultural officers from all divisions and districts of Bihar.

He said in clear terms that the state government will not tolerate any compromise on the farmer's hard work, sweat, and crops. Under the zero-tolerance policy, strict action is being taken against those involved in black marketing, hoarding, and selling fertilizers at higher prices, and will continue in the future.

The Agriculture Minister said that if the farmer is free from worries in the field, only then will the state's agriculture be strong. With this thinking, 24-hour surveillance is being kept on the fertilizer supply, storage, and distribution system. He said that the administrative system has been fully activated from the state to the district and block level, so that there is no room for irregularities at any level.

The Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the protection of farmers' interests. Under his guidance and the leadership of popular Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the Bihar government is fully committed to the welfare of farmers. He further stated that the state currently has a sufficient stock of fertilizers, and there is no shortage of fertilizers in any district.

Licenses of 454 fertilizer manufacturing institutions have been canceled. He directed that the block-wise distribution of fertilizers should be done based on the actual needs of farmers and the cultivated area, and regular reconciliation between the stock recorded in POS machines and the physical stock in hand should be ensured.

The Honorable Minister appealed to farmers not to pay heed to any kind of rumors. There is a proper supply of fertilizers in the state, and regular distribution is being ensured. No guilty dealer, company representative, or official will be spared, regardless of their position.

He further said that fertilizer smuggling in districts bordering international borders will not be tolerated. In such districts, special raid teams have been formed, and strict vigilance is being maintained in collaboration with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department directed all officials to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign among farmers and ensure that a situation of fear and panic is not created under any circumstances. Instructions were also issued to hold weekly review meetings at the divisional and district levels.

The Director of Agriculture, Bihar, informed that farmers can access information about fertilizer availability at their nearby fertilizer shops through the 'Bihar Krishi' mobile app.

Finally, the Honorable Agriculture Minister said, "Anyone who tries to deprive farmers of their rightful rights - no matter how influential they may be - will not be spared. The government stands firmly and strongly behind the farmers."