Maharashtra Govt to Bring Supply of Seeds & Fertilisers Under Essential Commodities Act to Protect Farmers: Deputy CM Fadnavis

GG News Bureau

Mumbai, 17th July. The Maharashtra cabinet has agreed to bring in the supply of food grain seeds and fertilisers under the Essential Commodities Act in order to safeguard farmers from being duped by counterfeit goods. On the first day of the state legislature’s monsoon session, Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the individual arrested under the Act will not be granted bail easily.

He also stated that the state has prepared a contingency plan in the wake of the delayed monsoon and is considering sowing for the second time and crop failure.

Fadnavis’ response came after Congress MLA Balasaheb Thorat asked Speaker Rahul Narwekar to discuss farmer issues.

“Maharashtra hasn’t received sufficient rains. The sowing is very less and half of the monsoon season is already over. The government appears to be busy in expanding the Cabinet but not serious towards the issues of farmers,” Thorat said.

Speaker Narwekar rejected the motion, but Fadnavis chose to respond to Thorat’s remarks.

”Maharashtra cabinet headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday decided to bring the supply of seeds and fertilisers under the Essential Commodities Act. If arrested under this act, the person will not get bail easily,” Fadnavis said.

Because of the delayed monsoon, Maharashtra has created a contingency plan, he added.

‘The state is ready for situations like sowing for the second time, failing of crops, and the spurious seed supply that might affect the production. The plan is in place,” Fadnavis added.

He stated that the Maharashtra government has already distributed Rs 10,000 crore to farmers through various schemes.

”It would be unfair to say that the administration is ignoring the concerns of Opposition parties regarding farmers,” Fadnavis added.