Odisha: Illegal sale of fertilizer in Bolangir sparks outrage among farmers

In a major revelation that has triggered anger among the farming community, government-supplied fertilizer meant to be distributed through Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) is allegedly being sold by private traders at inflated prices in Bolangir district.

Instead of reaching farmers through the authorized PACS network at subsidized rates, the fertilizers have allegedly ended up in the hands of traders who are selling them illegally at higher prices. The matter came to light after a local farmer recorded a video of the illegal sale, which has since gone viral on social media.

The video purportedly shows how traders are openly selling government-stocked fertilizers to farmers, bypassing the formal distribution system. The visuals reportedly show bags of fertilizer that were meant for PACS being offloaded and sold directly by a trader.

This malpractice has caused widespread resentment among farmers, many of whom are already facing hardships due to rising input costs and irregular monsoons.  

Local farmers' unions have condemned the act and demanded strict action against those involved in the black marketing of government supplies. They have also questioned how such a large volume of fertilizer could be diverted from PACS to private hands without the involvement or negligence of officials.

So far, no official statement has been released by the concerned Agriculture Department or district administration. The silence from the authorities has only deepened farmers' frustration, prompting calls for an urgent investigation.