Article Today, Hyderabad:
Farmers across Telangana are facing acute distress as urea shortage continues. With limited supplies from the Centre, cultivators are unable to apply fertiliser to their crops on time. As a result, uncertainty looms over the standing crop.
Allegations of Diversion
Meanwhile, serious allegations have surfaced against certain officials of Markfed. They are accused of colluding with middlemen and diverting urea meant for farmers. District-level allocations are allegedly being diverted to industries instead of reaching the agricultural sector.
Industrial Consumption
Industries such as plywood, resins, paints, varnishes, poultry, animal feed units, and even liquor manufacturing units are said to be using subsidized urea. The Centre gives a subsidy of nearly Rs. 2,000 per bag. While nitrogen for industries costs nearly Rs. 60 a kg, subsidized urea is available at only Rs. 6 a kg. This huge price gap has encouraged illegal diversions.
Lax E-Pass System
According to norms, farmers must register their Aadhaar details through the e-pass system at Rythu Seva Kendras, DCMS, or PACS to access urea. However, the machines are not being used. Bags that should be sold at Rs. 266.50 are being sold for Rs. 300 to Rs. 350. Officials admit that if farmer-wise accounts are verified, large-scale irregularities will be exposed.
Limited Checks
Reports suggest that nearly 200 industries across the State are consuming fertiliser meant for agriculture. The enforcement agencies have allegedly conducted only nominal inspections. Critics claim that some officials are openly supporting traders and middlemen instead of protecting farmer interests.
Black Market Deals
Supply has reached some districts, but officials are accused of holding stocks back. District managers are facing charges of black-marketing urea in collusion with wholesale and private dealers. Employees allege that a senior official is protecting and benefitting from these deals.
Farmer Unrest
The artificial scarcity has triggered protests by farmers in several parts of the State. They allege that wholesale and retail dealers, with official support, are hoarding stocks and selling at inflated prices. Though authorities warn of licence cancellations and strict action, farmers say the measures remain only on paper.
