Farmers allege fertilizer corruption in Odisha’s Malkangiri

Farmers in Mathili village in Malkangiri district have raised allegations of fertilizer corruption against the local village LAMPS office. 

The farmers alleged that they were given only one bag of urea while six other bags were diverted for black-market sale.

The farmers claim that officials at the Mathili LAMPS office colluded in the irregularities, prompting them to confront the office directly. They also alleged that while the actual price of each fertilizer bag is Rs 266, the office demanded Rs 280 per bag.

The incident has caused unrest among the local farming community, with many demanding a transparent investigation to ensure fair and proper distribution of agricultural supplies.

“I have been visiting here since summer season, but did not get any fertilizer. There is a huge irregularity. They were given only one bag of urea while six other bags were allegedly diverted for black-market sale,” alleged Balram Kirsani, a farmer.

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However, Satya Narayan Swain, the Mathili Village LAMPS in-charge, has denied all allegations, stating that no malpractice occurred in the distribution of fertilizer.

“The machines were lying defunct. So, I distributed fertilizer offline. The urea bag costs Rs 266.50 and TC is Rs 13,” said Satyanarayan Swain, Mathili LAMPS Village in-charge.

Authorities are yet to comment on the matter.