Bhubaneswar, 30 August (H.S.): Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has sought urgent intervention from the Centre to address the acute shortage of urea during the ongoing Kharif season in the state.
In a letter to Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers J.P. Nadda, Patnaik underscored the need for an uninterrupted fertiliser supply in the “larger interest of the farming community.”
Highlighting that agriculture remains the backbone of Odisha’s economy and a source of livelihood for over 70 per cent of its population, Patnaik noted, “Over the last two decades, Odisha has witnessed spectacular growth in agriculture. From being a rice importer, the state has transformed into a major contributor to the national Public Distribution System. This progress has been possible due to technology adoption and timely supply of critical inputs.”
He cautioned that the shortage of urea, coupled with black marketing and adulteration, has created distress among farmers across several districts, particularly in tribal regions, where protests have already begun. “If not addressed immediately, the crisis may severely disrupt farm activities, impact production and threaten the livelihood of lakhs of farmers,” he warned.
Patnaik also flagged irregularities in the state’s distribution network, alleging that despite claims of having 7.94 lakh tonnes of urea in stock, farmers continue to face shortages. He accused MARKFED, the government’s designated distribution agency, of diverting subsidised fertilisers to private traders instead of directly supplying farmers. “Despite relatively lower fertiliser consumption in Odisha, mismanagement and corruption in the supply chain have pushed our farmers to the edge,” he said.
Expressing displeasure over delays in operationalising the Talcher fertiliser plant, Patnaik recalled that its foundation stone was laid in 2018 with the promise of completion within 36 months, yet it remains non-functional even after seven years.
Calling for immediate corrective action, the BJD chief demanded a crackdown on black marketing, strict punishment of errant dealers and officials, and adequate allocation of urea for Odisha during the current cropping season.
“I urge you to take necessary steps to ensure timely supply of urea to Odisha during this Kharif season,” Patnaik appealed in his letter.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
