"Major concern": Naveen Patnaik seeks Centre's intervention over 'fertilisers crisis' in state

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 30 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, has sought Union Minister JP Nadda's intervention to address the problem of shortage of fertilisers in the state.
Patnaik wrote a letter to Nadda, the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, to urgently address the shortage of urea that is threatening agricultural activity during the crucial Kharif season.
In his letter, Patnaik highlighted the deepening crisis faced by farmers across Odisha, particularly in tribal districts, due to short supply, black marketing, and alleged corruption in fertiliser distribution.
He urged the Centre to ensure an immediate and adequate supply of urea to prevent disruption of crop production and protect farmers' livelihoods.
The Odisha LoP wrote, "As you know, agriculture is the mainstay of Odisha's economy which provides livelihood to more than 70% of its population. In the past two decades, Odisha's growth in the agricultural sector has been spectacular. From a mere importer of rice, Odisha has transformed itself into a major contributor to the country's Public Distribution system. This has become possible because of the use of technology and an adequate supply of input."
The BJD leader flagged that farmers are now struggling to obtain urea at the start of the Kharif season, adding that black marketing and adulteration have exacerbated the situation.
"Short supply of urea along with its black marketing and adulteration, is a major concern for our farmers now at the start of the Khariff Season. In many districts, particularly in tribal districts, the farmers are on an agitation path due to the non-availability of urea. If not addressed in a timely manner, it may cause serious disruption of farm activities, which will impact production and also affect the livelihood of farmers," Patnaik said.
"The state government claims to have 7.94 lakh tonne of urea, yet farmers are struggling to get it. Urea is being sold illegally at a higher price than the government-approved rate across Odisha," he added.
Naveen Patnaik accused MARKFED, the state's designated fertiliser distribution agency, of allegedly diverting subsidised fertilisers to private traders and criticised the delay in the Talcher fertiliser plant, which was supposed to be operational within 36 months after its foundation was laid in 2018.
"MARKFED, the government's designated distribution agency, is supplying subsidised fertilisers to private traders instead of farmers. Despite lower fertiliser use in Odisha, supply chain mismanagement and corruption have pushed our farmers to the edge. Delay in the Talcher fertiliser plant, whose foundation stone was laid in 2018, is also a concern. It was promised to be functional in 36 months, but seven years later, it still remains non-operational," the BJD leader said.
Calling for a "crackdown on black marketing" and punishment for "guilty dealers and officials," Patnaik urged the Union Minister to ensure immediate corrective steps.
"The need of the hour is to guarantee a timely and sufficient supply of urea during the Kharif season, in the larger interest of the farming community," he said. (ANI)