Aizawl, Feb. 26 -- PC Vanlalruata acknowledged in the State Assembly that substantial quantities of fertilisers meant for local farmers are being illegally smuggled to Myanmar, aggravating shortages across cultivation belts in Mizoram.
Responding to queries raised by VL Zaithanzama of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) on Wednesday, the Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Minister conceded that the price disparity between India and Myanmar has created strong incentives for illegal trade.
Vanlalruata explained that fertilisers are available at highly subsidised rates in India, with nearly 90 per cent subsidy provided by the Centre. This makes them significantly cheaper than in Myanmar, where the same products fetch far higher market price...