Ensure Easy Availability of Chemical Fertilizers to Farmers: Minister Kedar Kashyap
Raipur, 2 June
Cooperation Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap today held a meeting with senior officials of the Cooperative Department at the Mahanadi Ministry building to review the supply, storage, and distribution of chemical fertilizers to farmers in the state. Minister Kashyap emphasized that ensuring smooth availability of fertilizers to farmers is the responsibility of cooperative societies. Regular storage and distribution of fertilizers must be ensured based on farmers’ demand. He also stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers about using alternatives to DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate).
Mr. Kashyap clearly stated in the meeting that farmers should not have to struggle to access fertilizers. Strict monitoring should also be maintained over private sector shops to prevent any kind of irregularities. He issued a stern warning against selling fertilizers above the fixed price or engaging in black marketing. He reiterated that protecting the interests of farmers is the government’s top priority and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.
The meeting was informed that for the 2025 Kharif season, the fertilizer distribution target through cooperatives is 10.72 lakh metric tonnes. Against this, 4.10 lakh metric tonnes have already been stored—38.23% of the target. Distribution of fertilizers through cooperative societies is ongoing. As of 31 May, 1.57 lakh metric tonnes have already been distributed to farmers. Currently, 2.52 lakh metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers are available in stock at cooperative societies.
Minister Kashyap directed officials to strengthen the cooperative sector across the state and ensure benefits reach villagers and farmers. He instructed the formation of cooperative societies in every gram panchayat, emphasizing this as essential for achieving prosperity through cooperation. The meeting was informed that the state has 11,650 gram panchayats, of which 2,058 PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), 1,958 fisheries, 1,009 dairy, and 1,055 minor forest produce cooperative societies are registered. Of the 8,611 gram panchayats currently without cooperative societies, 1,279 additional panchayats have been identified for inclusion. This year, the target is to establish 1,175 dairy, 120 fisheries, and 532 PACS.
The meeting also included a detailed review of loan distribution for the 2025 Kharif season. It was reported that against the loan distribution target of ₹7,800 crore, loans worth ₹2,441 crore have already been distributed to 4.90 lakh farmers. Officials were instructed to complete the audit of all cooperative societies by 30 June.
Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary of the Cooperative Department Mr. Subrat Sahu, Secretary Mr. C.R. Prasanna, MARKFED MD Ms. Kiran Kaushal, Director of Agriculture Mr. Rahul Dev, APEX MD Mr. K.N. Kande, Additional Commissioner Mr. Hitesh Doshi, and other senior officials from all divisions.