Long lines, sleepless nights: Farmers queue up from wee hours to get fertiliser in Odisha

A major crisis has gripped the farmers of Karlamunda in Kalahandi district as they struggle to access urea fertiliser during the peak agricultural season. Hundreds of farmers, including both men and women, were seen standing in long queues outside the local warehouse from as early as 2.00 AM on Friday.

Also Read: Farmers clash for fertiliser, police called to control situation in Odisha’s Ganjam

The scene resembled a midnight rush as news spread that urea had finally arrived at local cooperative societies. Within hours, farmers from across the region flocked to the site, desperate to secure their share before stocks ran out. Many endured sleepless nights and stood for hours in winding lines, hoping not to return empty-handed.

The acute fertiliser shortage has left the farming community in distress in Kalahandi, with many expressing fears of crop failure if timely intervention is not made. Despite recent deliveries to several societies, the demand far outweighs the supply, highlighting systemic issues in the distribution process.

Farmers are now urging the local administration to ensure a steady and sufficient urea supply, especially during the crucial sowing period.

However, no comments were received from local police or the Samiti functionaries.

Earlier in another incident, tensions had flared on August 28 at Sandhi Gunduribadi village cooperative centre under Sorada block in Ganjam district, as hundreds of local farmers clashed in a desperate attempt to secure urea fertiliser.

“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 had said.

Likewise, another farmer had expressed, “I came for the fertiliser at around 9.00 AM, but I am still waiting since morning. As my number (turn) has not come yet, I am waiting on an empty stomach.”

Reported By: Subham Rohila