Sambalpur, 30th Aug 2025: Since the beginning of the season, farmers in undivided Sambalpur district have been facing serious problems obtaining fertilizers. Farmers, who heavily depend on fertilizers for their crops, have been struggling since the start to get sufficient supplies. The recent Rabi crop sales in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, and Debagarh districts have left farmers shocked due to fertilizer shortages.
Currently, farmers require both urea and DAP fertilizers, but they are not receiving adequate quantities. Whatever is available is being sold at rates much higher than the government-mandated prices. Complaints of black marketing have spread from villages to towns, causing significant distress among farmers.
The shortage and black marketing of fertilizers are affecting the Kharif crop season. In many areas, paddy seeds are also being damaged due to insufficient fertilizers. While the government has allocated licenses to retailers, wholesalers, and Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) to distribute fertilizers at the official rates, greedy traders are reportedly selling them at inflated prices.
For instance:
Urea (45 kg): Official price Rs266.50; being sold at Rs370.
DAP (50 kg): Official price Rs1,350; being sold at Rs1,550–1,600.
Farmers have also complained that even when buying one packet of urea, they are forced to purchase “nano urea” bottles, which adds extra financial burden. Similar complaints exist for DAP fertilizers.
During an inspection last Saturday at Ma Metakani Store in Padia Bahal, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dr. Pushpanjali Panda directed that sales of fertilizers be kept transparent. However, farmers report that the problem persists. Farmers are forced to buy nano urea bottles due to insufficient supply of standard urea.
MP representative Pramod Kumar Mishra and farmer leader Debendra Pradhan have strongly protested against the black marketing of fertilizers.