Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: Despite official claims of adequate fertilizer stock, farmers across Odisha are facing severe shortages and alleged black marketing. Unscrupulous traders are reportedly selling urea at inflated prices, exploiting the crisis and pushing farmers into distress in many places in the state.

Hoarding Allegations

In Kalahandi’s Golamunda block, traders have been accused of hoarding and selling urea at rates exceeding Rs500 per bag, far above the government-fixed price of Rs266. Local dealer Ghanshyam Meher of Ma Tarini Traders allegedly demanded advance payments and sold fertilizers to farmers from other districts at premium rates, while local farmers were left empty-handed.

Midnight Queues

On Thursday night, thousands of farmers queued outside the Karlamunda warehouse hoping to secure fertilizer. However, with only a few thousand packets available, many returned disappointed. The Society President confirmed that the supply was insufficient to meet demand, despite recent deliveries to various cooperative societies.

Also Read: Raids Conducted At Fertilizer Shops In Bolangir's Patnagarh Over Overpricing Allegations

Farmers’ Road Blockade

In Sonepur, frustration boiled over as farmers blocked the Birmaharajpur–Sambalpur highway near Gunipada, protesting the non-availability of fertilizer. Though stock was reportedly present in dealer warehouses, farmers alleged they were being denied access. Long queues formed outside shops early in the morning, but dealers failed to open on time, prompting road blockades.

Govt Reviews Distribution

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has reviewed the situation and directed district collectors to ensure proper coordination among supply chains, stock management, and distribution systems. The Agriculture Department, MARKFED, and PACS have been instructed to hold regular meetings and take immediate steps to meet farmers’ needs.

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