TV
The alleged shortage of fertiliser has led to unrest among farmers in several districts of Odisha. In the Dharakot block of Ganjam, farmers gathered in large numbers outside the Dhaugaon Society on Saturday, demanding adequate supply.
According to reports, 450 bags of fertiliser arrived at the society, drawing hundreds of farmers from two neighbouring panchayats. Fertiliser was distributed amidst a tense atmosphere, but concerns grew over whether the stock would be sufficient to meet demand.
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One farmer said, “Around 1,500 of us have been waiting in line, but there are only 300–400 bags available. Farmers here are not even getting one bag each.”
Another added, “I have not received a single bag, though each of us requires at least three. We request the government to bring more stock and distribute it as per the rules. Many of us have returned empty-handed on three occasions.”
Queues Outside LAMPS in Koraput
A similar situation was reported in the Koraput district, where farmers queued up in front of the Narayanpatna LAMPS since early Saturday morning. Both men and women stood in long lines hoping to secure fertiliser. Distribution was carried out under strict police security due to the large crowd.
Black Marketing Allegations
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Reports suggest that scarcity in Narayanpatna was linked to black marketing of fertiliser. However, after OTV highlighted the plight of farmers, the LAMPS authorities arranged thousands of bags. Despite this, each farmer was allotted only one bag, far short of their requirement.
