Dibrugarh: With the cultivation season fast approaching, the district administration of Majuli has taken a step to ease the burden on farmers by relaxing fuel procurement norms, allowing them to purchase petrol and diesel in approved containers from designated petrol pumps — a relief measure that addresses a long-standing practical challenge faced by agriculturists on the river island.Majuli presents unique logistical challenges during the cultivation season. Farmers operating power tillers, pumping sets, and other fuel-dependent agricultural machinery have frequently struggled to procure adequate fuel due to restrictions on loose fuel sales.District commissioner Shrishti Singh issued a formal order on Monday authorising all agriculture development officers under the agriculture department and gaon pradhans to issue identity certificates to genuine farmers, enabling them to procure the exact quantity of fuel required for their agricultural tools.Under the new arrangement, farmers will be permitted to lift petrol or diesel in suitable approved containers of not less than 20 litres — including jerricans, jars, and barrels fitted with proper lids — on a case-to-case basis. The identity certificate issued by ADOs or gaon pradhans must include the farmer’s photograph, identity proof such as an Aadhaar or PAN card, the number of agricultural tools and equipment for which fuel is required, the exact quantity needed on a daily or weekly basis, and the name of the specific petrol pump from which the farmer intends to lift the fuel.The order was issued in response to instructions from the secretary to the govt of Assam, food, public distribution and consumer affairs department, as well as numerous petitions and requests received from farmers across the district.
