HYDERABAD, Oct 9: The Sindh Abadgar Board has expressed concern over 15 per cent reduction in fertilizer quota for the province.

In a letter faxed to Federal Industries and Production Minister Liaquat Jatoi, with copies to the Sindh governor, the chief minister, the provincial minister for agriculture and the federal minister for food, agriculture and livestock, the SAB demanded that the 25 per cent fertilizer quota for Sindh should be restored, quick supply of fertilizer be ensured and closed warehouses of fertilizers be opened.

The SAB pointed out that the Rabi season started from Oct 1 in Sindh and wheat being the main crop of the season consumed about 55 per cent of the total fertilizers.

It said it would be difficult to achieve the wheat production target and other Rabi crops such as oilseeds and sugarcane would also be affected after reduction in the fertilizer quota.

It said the National Fertilizer Corporation should supply fertilizers according to the share fixed by the federal government for each province.

On the other hand, the SAB said, dealers were bringing fertilizers from Punjab at higher rates and were fleecing growers. It said in some areas adulterated fertilizer was being sold.

It reminded the government that wheat was sown earlier in Sindh than other provinces and the soil required nitrophos, calcium, ammonium nitrate and single super phosphate fertilizers.

It said 60 per cent reduction in the field staff and closure of zonal and regional offices and fertilizer godowns would also badly affect the agriculture of Sindh.

POLICE WELFARE: Provincial Adviser for Home Affairs Aftab Ahmed Shaikh has said the government is taking important steps for the welfare of policemen and added that the National Bank of Pakistan has agreed to advance loans to police personnel on easy instalments.

Presiding over a meeting of senior police officers at the Circuit House here on Thursday, he said that loans equalling 36- month basic salary of policemen would be given for marriages and education of their children as well as for purchase and repair of houses.

He, however, made it clear that policemen should consider themselves as servants of the people, adding that the public should also cooperate with the police department for restoration of peace and elimination of terrorism.

He directed the officers to maintain a close vigil on activities of miscreants and take immediate action against undesirable elements. He disclosed that the purpose of his visit was to monitor the law and order situation in Hyderabad and other areas.

Later, the adviser accompanied the governor on a detailed tour of the Hyderabad city.