Mizoram farmers paying the price as subsidised fertilisers sold at double MRP, govt starts probe

Aizawl: Amid reports of large-scale illegal export of fertilisers from Mizoram to Myanmar, the Mizoram State Agriculture, Horticulture & Marketing Cooperative Fede- ration Ltd has uncovered that highly subsidised urea is being sold at exorbitant rates in Sihphir village near Aizawl.A recent field inspection revealed that the govt-notified MRP of Rs 266.4 per 45kg bag (inclusive of GST) was being flouted, with some sellers charging as much as Rs 450 per bag — nearly double the official rate.According to an official statement, acting on credible information, the managing director of MAHFED Ltd recently conducted a detailed field inspection at the village.“Such acts constitute a clear and unequivocal violation of Clause 3(3) of the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, which strictly prohibits sale of fertilisers above the prescribed price, and attract penal consequences under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955,” the statement said.Further investigation revealed that an unregistered private entity, Zekyl Enterprises at Sihphir in Aizawl district, had been engaged in unauthorised procurement and distribution of urea through irregular and extra-legal channels, without possessing the mandatory Certificate of Registration under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985.In response, stringent and time-bound action has been initiated.