Fertiliser shortage in Odisha sparks tension; farmers stage protest

Sundergarh: Unavailability of sufficient fertilisers triggered sharp resentment among farmers in Sundergarh district of Odisha today.

As per reports, a group of farmers had gathered at Bonai LAMPS today for fertilisers. However, after allegedly failing to get sufficient fertilisers, they blocked the main road to Bonai Town and also NH 215 near Lahunipara.

Without sufficient amount of fertiliser at the appropriate time, crops will suffer damages. The government should have ensured adequate supply of fertilisers, rued protesting farmers.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Pradeep Maharathy said that the State has no scarcity of fertilisers.

"There is no shortage of fertiliser in Odisha but yes, we have received complaints from two areas- Bonai and Athamallick. However, it was not a case of scarcity; people just did not get it at the right time. On Monday, 2500 metric tonne of fertilisers were supplied to Jharsuguda. People will soon get it," said Maharathy.