ASAMB becomes sole urea distributor post process streamlining

Guwahati: The Assam State Agriculture Marketing Board (AAMB) has become the sole distributor of urea in the state since July 1 last year after the state government approved a standard operating procedure to streamline the fertiliser distribution system.
So far, AAMB has supplied urea to 4,150 retailers in Assam. The step is expected to bring more transparency and efficiency to the distribution process.
“Earlier, there were a alot of discrepancies in the distribution process of urea which has affected the farmers. Thereafter Assam Government decided to structure the urea distribution system in the state,” Manoj Baruah, chairman of AAMB, told Business-Northeast.
Previously, wholesalers were involved in the distribution of urea before it reached the retailers, leading to inefficiencies and potential opportunities for malpractices. With AAMB taking charge, the wholesalers’ licenses were cancelled.
There are 33 district fertiliser units working. The Centre has fixed the rate of urea (fertiliser) per rack at Rs. 266.5. 
Other than the board, companies like Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. are currently the urea providers through retailers.
During FY 2022-23, BVFCL achieved the highest record production of 223,342 MT of urea and bio-fertilizer sowing 152.938 KL MT, surpassing the previous record.
In addition to urea distribution, AAMB is also involved in various initiatives for the benefit of farmers and agricultural infrastructure development in the state. It procures rice at minimal costs to support farmers and has provided subsidized mustard seeds in collaboration with the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department.
Further, AAMB has undertaken multiple projects to develop agricultural infrastructure in rural areas. This includes the construction of 675 Bajar Grihas (market sheds, auction platforms, assortment sheds, market complexes, retailers' sheds, etc.), 74 warehouses with a capacity of 62,425 MT, and three cold storages with a capacity of 12,000 MT. 
Additionally, with the support from NABARD and the North East Council, ASAMB has invested in the construction of two large cold storage facilities in Chhaygaon (Kamrup Rural) and Kharupetia (Darrang district), each with a capacity of 5,000 MT.
One notable project undertaken by ASAMB is the infrastructure development of the Darangiri Banana market in Goalpara district, for which they have invested Rs. 15 crores from the North East Council.

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