Fertiliser shortage sparks severe farmer unrest in Malkangiri

Farmers are facing a severe fertiliser crisis in Malkangiri. Hundreds of farmers reportedly gathered in front of the LAMPS at Mathili after the administration had earlier announced that fertilisers would be distributed on Friday. 

As per reports, the crowd was so large that traffic on National Highway (NH-326) came to a standstill, forcing police to intervene to restore normalcy.

According to sources, around 1,200 bags of fertiliser are available at the LAMPS. Distribution is being carried out through a token system, with each farmer receiving only one bag. 

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However, this has led to strong resentment among farmers, who argue that a single bag is not sufficient. The situation turned tense at the spot as farmers expressed their dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile, allegations have also surfaced that urea bags are being sold in the black market at prices as high as Rs 1,000 per bag.

Earlier, some days back, hundreds of farmers had staged a road blockade near Mathili, protesting acute fertiliser shortages at a crucial stage of the cropping season. The agitators blocked National Highway-326 near the Mathili Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Society (LAMPS) point, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill for hours.

As per the allegation by the protesting farmers, they were left with no choice but to hit the streets as their crops were on the verge of drying up. The protest came days after widespread allegations of fertiliser corruption surfaced in the area. Farmers had accused the Mathili LAMPS office of diverting fertiliser stocks to the black market.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo had issued a stern warning, stating that anyone caught selling fake fertilizers will be sent directly to jail.