The continuous fertilizer shortage in the Kathua district has forced the agitated farmers to take to the streets. On Sunday, December 7 hundreds of farmers gathered at the Bhajwal distribution centre and raised slogans against the Agriculture Department. The farmers alleged the black marketing of fertilizers that due to departmental connivance, the fertilizer is being sent to Punjab in black, causing huge loss to local farmers. Devendra Singh, who was leading the protest, said that urea is being illegally sent from Kathua to Punjab, where it is being sold at the rate of Rs 450 to 500 per bag. Local farmers are not getting urea which is available at the rate of Rs 270 per bag.
Fertilizer shortage in Kathua trouble Local Farmers
He stated that the department’s enforcement wing has failed to ensure transparency in fertilizer distribution. The fertilizer shortage in Kathua has put farmers in trouble. If the agriculture department does not take immediate action, this problem could worsen, adversely affecting agricultural production.
In addition to Kathua, farmers from Punjab are also in the queue, using local residents’ Aadhaar cards to obtain fertilizer. One of the farmers expressed concerns that his paddy crop would be about to bear ears in a few days, and if urea was not available on time, it would severely impact crop production. Another farmer questioned the department’s functioning, stating that similar fertilizer shortages had occurred during the paddy transplantation period. He alleged that the department’s negligence and connivance were the reason for fertilizer black marketing. He demanded that urea distribution should be made completely transparent and strict action be taken against the black marketers. Nearly 2,000 bags of urea have been made available for the current season, and distribution which is being done according to Aadhaar card numbers. Anil Padotra, Enforcement Officer, Agriculture Department, Kathua, has said that if fertilizer is going to neighboring states, local people are responsible for this, who are giving their Aadhaar cards to farmers from Punjab.
Read More News:
- Fertilizer Shortage Sparks Protest By Agitated Farmers In Kathua
- India Russia Ink Agreements in areas of defence, trade, economy & healthcare
- Average Price of Japan Rice Sets New Record High
- US tariffs prompt surge in Chinese exports to south-east Asia
- Explainer: What Makes Delhi’s AQI So Toxic?
- Centre’s new fortified rice norms spark concern among Punjab shellers
- Telangana minister seeks more rice allocation & Grain storage support from Centre
- Pakistan’s Trade deficit widens 37% as exports fall, imports rise
- Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari Announced 700 Cr Agriculture College-Cum-Research Centre
- Union Agri Minister Chouhan Launches Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025, Promotes Women’s Economic Empowerment