Bhubaneswar: The state government urged farmers not to panic over “misleading reports” of fertiliser shortage in the state, assuring them that sufficient stocks are available.
According to official sources, Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who also holds the profile of Agriculture Minister, is personally reviewing the fertiliser supply status on a regular basis.
The official statement came in response to Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik’s concern over irregularities in fertiliser distribution.
Patnaik, in a letter to Union Fertilisers and Chemicals Minister JP Nadda, alleged widespread shortages, adulteration, and lack of urea availability in the open market.
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He warned that the crisis had forced farmers, particularly in tribal-dominated districts, to take to the streets. Sources said a supply plan of 10 lakh metric tonne (MT) of fertilisers was submitted to the Centre for the current Kharif season.
Against this, 9.55 lakh MT of various grades was allocated by the Centre, based on monthly crop coverage. So far, Odisha has received 8.10 lakh MT, taking the total availability to 11.04 lakh MT as of August 30. Out of this, 8.46 lakh MT have already been sold to farmers, while 2.56 lakh MT remain available across districts.
Additionally, 11,692 MT of urea is in transit and expected to reach Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) within two days.
Compared to last year’s Kharif season, when only 7.03 lakh MT had been sold by this time, fertiliser availability in 2025 is significantly higher.
The state government has launched strict enforcement measures to curb black marketing, fake sales, and hoarding. So far, 4,546 retail outlets have been inspected, 1,202 retailers served with show-cause notices, 30 shops sealed, 62 dealer licenses suspended or cancelled and stock seized from six dealers.
Enforcement teams comprising officials from Agriculture, Revenue, and Police departments are conducting surprise checks across districts.
The state has prepared a Kharif crop plan of 58.50 lakh hectares in 2025, including 34.94 lakh hectares of paddy and 23.56 lakh hectares of non-paddy crops.
Singh Deo said the government is committed to ensuring the timely availability of quality fertilisers at the right price.
He clarified that farmers are free to choose the required grade of fertilisers and that IFFCO has been instructed not to enforce tagging of inputs like nano fertilisers.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment principal secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee is also closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Union ministry to ensure smooth supply.
PNN
