Farmers in Rayagada, Nabarangpur hit by acute fertiliser shortage

Fertiliser shortage has sparked anger among farmers in southern Odisha, with paddy growers in Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts alleging artificial scarcity, black marketing and administrative inaction.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

25 AUGUST: Fertiliser shortage has sparked anger among farmers in southern Odisha, with paddy growers in Rayagada and Nabarangpur districts alleging artificial scarcity, black marketing and administrative inaction.

In Rayagada, farmers complained that the bulk of urea is being diverted to cotton and eucalyptus cultivation, promoted by traders from Andhra Pradesh, often in connivance with LAMP employees. As only Aadhaar card is required to purchase fertilizer, farmers said large quantities are being cornered by non-paddy growers. With scanty rainfall already delaying transplantation, the crisis has worsened for paddy farmers, who accused authorities of failing to act.