Feb 27, 2009 (DVB), Township authorities have been demanding money from farmers in Bogalay, Irrawaddy division, for fertilisers freely distributed by a charity called International Development Enterprise.

IDE distributed two bags of ‘Paleh’ (Pearl) fertilisers to each farmer in Nyinaung village tract for free, a farmer said.

"IDE gave fertilisers to 300 farmers. The village chair and secretary collected them, gave two bags each to farmers, and charged 1500 from each farmer."

The situation is the same at nearby Thitbyuchaung village group and surrounding areas, the farmer claimed. Farmers said it would be better for donors to give aid directly into their hands in the future.

Reporting by Naw Say Paw