Farmers in Odisha's Ganjam queue for hours amid fertiliser shortage

Long queues were witnessed in Aska area of Ganjam district on Monday, where farmers are struggling to secure fertiliser amid a severe shortage. In an unusual sight, they have been leaving their slippers in line to mark their turn, as many are forced to wait for hours, and in some cases overnight, to collect a bag of urea fertiliser.

The rush was particularly visible at the Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (MPCSs) near Aska bus stand, where farmers formed long queues under the blazing sun. To avoid standing for extended hours in the heat, several chose to keep their shoes in place as a substitute while waiting nearby until their turn arrived. Despite the hardship, they continued to gather in hopes of receiving the crucial supply needed for their crops.

Also Read: Odisha closes 30 fertiliser shops, suspends 62 dealers' licences amid farmers' stir on urea scarcity

Voices of Farmers

One farmer described the ordeal, saying, “We have stood here from morning 06:00 am to get fertiliser. We are hoping to get three bags of fertiliser. We have faced problems in farming due to a lack of fertiliser.” 

Another expressed doubt over the distribution process, stating, “We are hoping that our demands will be fulfilled, but we are not sure. We think we are going to be given one bag each.”

Uncertainty Over Supply

Must Read: Fertiliser shortage row: 62 bags seized in Ganjam raid amid black marketing allegations

The shortage has created widespread concern among cultivators, who are dependent on urea for timely farming operations. With the possibility of being allotted only one bag each, anxiety among farmers continues to grow, as many fear it may not be sufficient for their agricultural needs.