Telangana farmers fear repeat of urea crisis

Farmers also claim that certain dealers are forcing them to purchase pesticides, micronutrients and other agricultural products along with fertilizers. They allege that fertilizer sales are being linked to the purchase of additional items

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

As Telangana gears up for the Kharif cropping season, farmers are expressing concerns over the availability of urea and other fertilizers, fearing a repeat of the difficulties experienced during the previous agricultural season. With paddy nurseries already being raised and cultivation activities gaining momentum across the state, uncertainty over fertilizer supplies has become a major issue for the farming community.

Farmers say they continue to face challenges every year, whether in selling their produce or obtaining essential agricultural inputs. During the recent Rabi season, many cultivators struggled to secure urea, spending hours in long queues and facing considerable inconvenience despite government efforts to streamline distribution. The memories of those shortages have prompted many farmers to purchase fertilizers in advance this year.

For the Kharif season, Telangana has estimated a requirement of 11.50 lakh tonnes of urea and requested the Centre to allocate adequate quantities. However, the Union Government has reportedly approved only 10 lakh tonnes. The supply received so far has also fallen short of expectations. Against the requirement of two lakh tonnes each during April and May, the state received only 1.53 lakh tonnes in April and 48,985 tonnes in May. At present, Telangana has around 1.40 lakh tonnes of urea and nearly 10,000 tonnes of DAP and other complex fertilizers in stock.

Agricultural activities are already underway, with farmers preparing paddy nurseries and cultivating vegetables and horticulture crops over approximately 1.03 lakh acres. Given the growing demand, concerns are mounting that fertilizer availability may become a challenge during the peak cultivation period.

Meanwhile, farmers have alleged that some fertilizer dealers are exploiting the situation by charging prices above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and selling old stock at revised rates. According to complaints, a 50-kg bag of complex fertilizer (20:20:0:13), which carries an MRP of Rs 1,400, is being sold for Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,580. Similar allegations have been made regarding DAP fertilizer, with some dealers reportedly selling bags priced at Rs 1,350 for up to Rs 1,600.

Farmers also claim that certain dealers are forcing them to purchase pesticides, micronutrients and other agricultural products along with fertilizers. They allege that fertilizer sales are being linked to the purchase of additional items, increasing cultivation costs and placing an extra financial burden on growers.

Farmer organisations have urged the government to closely monitor fertilizer stocks, prices and distribution. They have demanded strict action against dealers involved in overpricing and unfair trade practices, including cancellation of licences where violations are found. Farmers have also called for timely and adequate fertilizer supplies to ensure smooth cultivation during the Kharif season.