TV
Farmers in Digapahandi, Ganjam, staged a protest over the non-availability of fertiliser at the Siddheswar Cooperative Society on Monday. Hundreds of farmers blocked the Digapahandi–Berhampur road at Ganianal Square, bringing traffic on both sides of State Highway No. 17 to a standstill.
Also Read: Fertiliser crisis in Ganjam: Farmers queue overnight amid acute shortage
Even ambulances were caught in the massive jam, while some protesters resorted to burning tyres to draw attention to their demands. Earlier in the day, farmers had also gheraoed the cooperative society office in frustration over delayed fertiliser supplies.
Long Waits, Insufficient Supply
According to reports, farmers have been waiting for months for their turn to receive fertiliser. With only 450 bags delivered to the distribution centre, thousands of farmers allege that they have not received their share.
Many waited without food or water to secure a bag, highlighting the hardship caused by the ongoing shortage. Protesters claim that while hundreds of farmers are in need, the minimal number of fertiliser bags provided is insufficient to meet their requirements.
Protests Spread to Sanakhemundi
The agitation has not been limited to Digapahandi. Farmers in Sanakhemundi also staged a protest at Hatapada Square, demanding timely and adequate supply of fertiliser. They insist that the distribution should match actual requirements, rather than being delayed or insufficient.
Authorities Respond
Police and the Tehsildar reached the protest sites to de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy. Officials stated that the shortage has occurred because the required quantity of fertiliser is not reaching the cooperative societies on time. However, farmers counter that while sufficient fertiliser is supplied, it is not being distributed properly to meet local demand.
Read More: Alleged fertiliser shortage sparks long queues of farmers in Koraput’s Narayanpatna
The protests underline the growing frustration among farmers over delayed and uneven fertiliser distribution, raising concerns about timely agricultural inputs ahead of the sowing season.
