TV
Tensions flared at the Sandhi Gunduribadi village cooperative centre under Sorada block in Ganjam district, as hundreds of local farmers clashed on Thursday in a desperate attempt to secure urea fertiliser.
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The incident occurred at the village Seba Samabaya Samiti (cooperative society), where an unexpectedly low supply of urea caused chaos. With this being the peak time for fertiliser application, farmers had been waiting for days due to a shortage at the cooperative society.
When 900 bags of urea finally arrived today, farmers gathered in large numbers, forming long queues outside the centre. The situation quickly escalated into pushing and shouting as the crowd swelled. Due to the growing disorder, Sorada police were called to the scene to bring the situation under control.
Distribution resumed under police supervision. Farmers were able to purchase urea at Rs 270 per bag. However, due to the shortage, many had previously been forced to buy it from the black market at prices between Rs 700 and Rs 900.
Hence, a limited fertiliser supply led to a chaotic situation. Local farmers have demanded strict action against black marketing and the timely supply of fertilisers to prevent such incidents in the future.
“I have been coming for the last four days, but have not been getting fertiliser and returning empty-handed. There was a heavy rush here for the fertiliser, and one bag per head is now being sold after the police intervened. I need at least five bags,” a local farmer said.
Likewise, another farmer expressed, “I had come for the fertiliser at around 9.00 AM, but I am still waiting. Since my number (turn) has not come yet, I am waiting on an empty stomach.”
No comments were received from local administration or the police in this regard.
