REPRESENTATION -- 1

UPASI URGES TN GOVT TO REGULARISE FERTILISER SUPPLY

By P S SUNDAR 

Even as summer showers brought in welcome ambiance in different parts of Tamil Nadu, tea planters in Nilgiris and Anamalai regions are a worried lot because there is acute shortage of fertilisers especially Urea and Muriate of Potash.(MOP)

P P Cherian, President United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), said that the problem is more due to distribution hurdles  in the State.

He said that Nitrogen is the major nutrient for tea and its deficiency will lead to susceptibility to pest and disease as also deterioration in the quantity and quality of tea.    So adequate application of Urea and MOP should be facilitated.

He said that these fertilisers are applied after the rains in April, May, June, September, October and November. Timely application for at least five times a year is necessary.

The UPASI President said that lack of fertiliser is affecting the production and employment potential in Tamil Nadu Plantation. This is significant because Tamil Nadu accounts for 71.2 per cent of South India’s production.

Observing that both Nitrogen and Potassium are equally important for sustainable yield, he said that UPASI has been representing for adequate supply of them to the union Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser.

However, the State Government of Tamil Nadu has not attached due importance for the distribution these fertilisers which is paralysing the tea Industry which is plagued by high wages and increased production cost.

The UPASI President said that immediate attention towards this is necessary for the survival of the tea industry in Tamil Nadu.

(Response can also be sent to: pssundar.coonoor@gmail.com)