Article Today, Hyderabad: Telangana farmers are facing severe distress due to a shortage of urea during the ongoing Kharif season. Despite favourable rains and active sowing, the supply of urea has fallen short. Farmers and state officials accuse the Centre of showing gross negligence and playing politics with their livelihoods.
Allocation Only on Paper
The Centre announced an allocation of 9.80 lakh metric tonnes of urea for Telangana this season. However, between April and July, the state faced a 32 per cent shortfall. In May, the gap widened to 45 per cent, while August has already seen a 35 per cent deficit. Officials say that despite advance intimation of requirements, the Centre has failed to respond effectively. The state sought 3 lakh tonnes for August, but farmers continue to receive only hollow assurances.
Black Market Exploits
The shortage has opened doors for black market operations. Allegations have surfaced against certain Markfed officials, who are reportedly colluding with middlemen to divert urea for illegal sales. Farmers say they are forced to stand in long queues for hours, only to return empty-handed.
Import Delay Adds to Crisis
The state had repeatedly urged the Centre to supply domestically produced urea. Instead, the Centre allotted 39,000 metric tonnes of imported urea. However, no ships have yet been arranged to transport it. As a result, 2.10 lakh tonnes were short between April and July, with an additional 57,000 tonnes lacking in August. Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao has demanded that the Centre immediately make up the deficit.
Farmers Caught in Political Crossfire
The Minister accused both Centre and state-level representatives in Delhi of neglecting the issue. Even when Members of Parliament from Telangana raised the matter, the Centre only offered vague promises. Farmers, he said, should be working in their fields, not protesting on roads for fertiliser.
Appeals from Chief Minister Ignored
Despite repeated letters, official meetings, and direct appeals from the Chief Minister, the Centre has not taken any concrete steps. Farmers claim this indifference is pushing them into financial loss as crops risk drying up. If the situation persists, large-scale protests by farmers are expected.
Fight for Farmers’ Rights
Minister Thummala reiterated that the Telangana government would continue to fight for farmers’ rights. He warned that if the Centre does not act swiftly to restore supply, the state will escalate protests. Immediate replenishment of the shortfall, he said, is essential to safeguard the Kharif season.
