Kesinga: Farmers in Kesinga block of Kalahandi district have expressed resentment over inadequate supply of urea by the district administration.
Farmers’ unions alleged that the district administration has failed to make a proper assessment of the urea requirement for the season.
With no option left, the farmers are now forced to buy fertilisers from the open market at higher prices.
“Farmers need urea as the state received late rains this season. We need it around August-September. The administration should have anticipated the demand and asked for stock from the state government,” a farmer lamented.
According to sources, paddy and cotton are cultivated in over 30,000 hectare in the block this Kharif season. The district administration had signed an agreement with 100 wholesale counters to supply urea to the farmers.
However, till now only 20 per cent farmers have taken urea from the stores.
Taking advantage of the situation, traders are selling fertilisers at a premium price. While the actual rate of 50kg urea packet is Rs 295, it is priced at Rs 390. The price also varies from place to place. It is sold for Rs 400 a packet in some panchayats.
PNN
