Odisha farmers forcibly take fertiliser bags after gheraoing co-op official

In a dramatic turn of events, farmers in Digapahandi block of Odisha’s Ganjam district were seen carrying sacks of fertiliser themselves after surrounding a cooperative society official during a protest on Tuesday.

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

The incident took place near Maulabhanaja Chhak, where hundreds of irate farmers staged a road blockade over an alleged fertiliser shortage.

Incensed local farmers participated in the protest, blocking the busy National Highway-326, causing disruption in vehicular movement. On-duty police officers remained largely inactive and watched as the agitation unfolded.

The protest ended after administrative officials arrived at the scene and assured the farmers of action. However, tensions escalated when the farmers, refusing to wait any longer, gheraoed the secretary of Maulabhanaja Seva Samabaya Samiti.

In an unexpected move, the farmers, with police merely observing, loaded and carried the fertiliser bags previously stored in the cooperative society godown themselves.

The situation highlighted growing frustration among cultivators over fertiliser distribution issues and the apparent inaction of the district as well as local administration.

No comments were received from the society officials or local police in this regard.

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.”