Jajpur: The decline in supply of fertilizers and its rampant black marketing has hit the farmers hard in this district. This development comes at a time when farmers are preparing for the cultivation of various crops after the receding of floodwaters.
Sources said that traders are fleecing the farmers and charging much more for a packet of fertilizer than the government-approved rate. The Odisha government provides various types of fertilizers to the primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) and the authorised dealers through ‘Markfed’. However, some of these dealers are handing over the fertilizers to retailers who are then increasing the rates.
Hence it is pinching the pockets of farmers. Sources claimed that such a situation has developed due to an unholy nexus between some ‘Markfed’ officials and dealers. It has been alleged that ‘Markfed’ is deliberately not supplying the required quantity of fertilizers to PACS where chances of black marketing is minimal. Reports said that a decision was taken to supply 8,499 MT of fertilizers to PACS for farmers during this kharif season.
However, 62 PACS in this district have lifted only 1829.38 MT of fertilizers between April 1 and August 18. ‘Markfed’ has supplied 820.30 MT of urea, the demand for which is the highest. Similarly, 750.05 MT of DAP fertilizer, 127.5 MT of MOP, 36 MT of NPKS, 90.5 MT of CIL 28-28, and five metric tonne of IFFCO fertilizers have been supplied. The managing director of ‘Markfed’ has asked all area and godown managers to fix a target for the monthly sale of fertilizers. Farmers pointed out that the PACS are not procuring the required amount of fertilizers as they do not have proper storage facilities.
As a result, they have to shell out additional money while buying fertilizer packets from retailers. They pointed out that cultivation is suffering and crops are facing damage due to the unavailability of fertilizers. A probe revealed that sale of fertilizers from the PACS at Jakhpura, Ranipada, Dudhujhari, Prathamakhandi, Singhpur, Nathuabara, Odisho, Brahmabarada, Mugupal, Samantapur, Pahanga, Anaka, Saudia, Charinangala and Raipur has been quite meager. This is because these PACS are not procuring fertilizers in large quantities from ‘Markfed’.
Farmers alleged that the Agriculture department in the district has failed to come to their help. Farmers Gopinath Biswal of Madhapur village and Subhash Rout of Jaleswar village alleged that the government-approved rate of a 50kg packet of Nagarjun fertilizer is Rs 279 but they have to cough up more than Rs 370 for the same. A packet of IFFCO fertilizer costs Rs 269 but they have to shell out Rs 330. When contacted, ARCS Sarat Chandra Mallick said they have failed to procure the required quota of fertiliser due to a lack of storage facilities. However, efforts are being made to stop the black marketing of fertilizers, he added.