Farmers cry foul over urea distribution in Bargarh, accuse dealers of hoarding

Farmers in Bargarh district continue to express anger over the alleged shortage of urea fertiliser, claiming that their crops are being severely affected. Repeated complaints have emerged that, despite urgent demand, the necessary supply of urea is not reaching them on time.

Agitated farmers have staged demonstrations in front of the Agriculture Office and, at times, blocked roads by intercepting trucks carrying fertiliser, demanding immediate distribution. Many allege that while cooperative societies (PACS) are unable to provide the fertiliser, truckloads of urea are being diverted to private dealers. This has further fuelled resentment among the farming community.

Speaking on the issue, the Chief Agriculture Officer of Bargarh dismissed the concerns, asserting that there is no shortage of fertiliser in the district. On the contrary, he claimed that stocks have arrived in quantities greater than the actual requirement, ensuring sufficient availability for farmers.

“All the officials and personnel of our department are engaged in fertiliser distribution. We are trying that every farmer in the district gets fertiliser through PACS and private dealers,” said Lochan Majhi, Agriculture Officer.

Despite the official clarification, protests reflect mounting distrust among farmers, who insist that the supply chain is not reaching them fairly and demand stricter monitoring of distribution.

Also Read: Fertiliser crisis in Bargarh: Farmers protest over lack of urea supply

Notably, on September 6, several farmers in the district blocked as many as three fertilizer-laden trucks at Ghensh, demanding an explanation for the unavailability of fertilizer at the public distribution system outlets.
The farmers have reportedly accused private dealers of hoarding and diverting large quantities of urea, forcing them to purchase fertiliser at inflated prices