R B Jagadish
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (EP)

Karkala, Jan 8: Cocoa farmers have refused to accept fertilizer supplied by the department of horticulture in the form of subsidy for their cocoa plantations here saying that it is of inferior quality.  They have protested against Vishwanatha, deputy director of horticulture.

The department of horticulture had recommended for cocoa cultivation under Gucha grama project last year here.  The farmers here had formed an association and planted the cocoa plants planted by the department. As per agreed terms the farmers have to buy the manure from authorized dealers and the amount spent should be reimbursed by the department to the farmers.

Vishwanath however has deviated from the agreed terms, has bought inferior quality organic neem fertilizer from Charminar Biotech company at Challakere and has supplied it to the farmers.  It is said that the deal is filled with irregularities. 

As per regulations of the department, no fertilizer or instruments are provided directly by the department.  The farmers should buy them from the authorized dealers and claim the amount from the department by way of subsidies.  However Vishwanath arranged a programme to directly supply fertilizer to the farmers of Ajekar’s Vishnu cocoa cultivator’s sangha.

The farmers have discovered discrepancies both in the quality and weight of the fertilizer.  It is said that mud and small stones are found in the neem fertilizer.  It is said that the fertilizer is mixed with water to cheat them. The farmers have urged the concerned to take suitable disciplinary action against the official.

They have said that the quality of the fertilizer will be ascertained in private laboratory and have said that the deficiency in weight also cannot be tolerated. They have threatened of protests if no action is taken against the guilty.