Article Today, Hyderabad: A senior official from Markfed has allegedly stockpiled nearly 50,000 Tonnes of urea, diverting the supply meant for farmers. Operating covertly from the Hyderabad office, the officer has reportedly colluded with middlemen to sell the subsidised fertiliser at inflated prices. Sources claim that district managers are also involved in this massive irregularity. The shortage, now crippling farmers in districts like Adilabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, and Nizamabad, is believed to be a direct result of this hoarding.
Artificial Shortage Benefits Private Dealers
Despite the central government offering a subsidy of ₹1,477.04 on a 50 kg urea bag—making its sale price ₹266.50—private dealers are allegedly charging between ₹350 and ₹400. Markfed is expected to handle 60% of the supply, while private dealers manage the remaining 40%. However, under-the-table deals between officials and traders are reportedly diverting more than the permitted share to private hands, worsening the scarcity and enabling profiteering.
Cross-border Diversion to Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s shift towards nano urea and nano DAP has led farmers to cross into Telangana in search of conventional granular fertilisers. Taking advantage of this demand, dealers in Bhainsa, Adilabad, Asifabad, and Mancherial are selling urea at inflated prices to Maharashtra farmers. Farmers in Telangana allege that stock meant for them is being sold across the border, causing local scarcity. “They say DAP is available, but not urea. We need urea now during rains. What’s the use after the rains stop?” lamented a distressed farmer from Utnoor.
Government’s Response Draws Criticism
Rather than ensuring fair distribution, the state government has reportedly resorted to threats. An audio clip in circulation warns that primary agriculture cooperative society secretaries selling more than five tonnes per day may face jail. The voice also threatens show-cause notices and suspensions for AEOs and ADAs failing to enforce the rule. According to the clip, a farmer can purchase urea only once a month and not more than four to five bags, drawing ire from farmer groups.
Widespread Fertiliser Shortage Across State
Telangana is currently facing a shortage of over 8 lakh tonnes of fertiliser. While the total seasonal requirement is estimated at 23 lakh tonnes, only 7.8 lakh tonnes have been supplied between April and July. The supply gap has triggered frustration and unrest. In Thalamadugu of Adilabad, farmers queued with Aadhaar cards, while in Nennel of Mancherial district, tempers flared and clashes broke out. Protests have also been reported in Armoor (Nizamabad) and Gandhari (Kamareddy), where farmers demanded immediate action and fair distribution.
