KOPPAL:
Farmers across Koppal district are reeling under a growing shortage of fertilisers, particularly urea, despite claims by officials that stock is adequate. The crisis mirrors a statewide trend and has sparked frustration among cultivators, who are now forced to stand in long queues, often with their families, to secure essential inputs for their crops.
Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy acknowledged the shortage, citing disrupted imports from Iran and China. However, his contradictory statement—that fertiliser availability exceeds demand—has only deepened confusion among the farming community.
According to the Agriculture Department’s Joint Director T. Rudreshappa, from April to July the district required 31,252 metric tonnes of urea, while 33,459 metric tonnes were available. Of this, 28,757 metric tonnes have already been distributed, and 4,702 metric tonnes remain in stock. He assured that an additional 5,000 metric tonnes would arrive soon from SPIC, MFL, and RCF companies.
Yet, the on-ground reality contradicts official claims. Farmers allege that over 60 PACS and 400 private retailers are creating an artificial scarcity, pushing desperate cultivators toward overpriced private sellers.
Chamaras Malipatil, honorary president of the Karnataka State Farmers' Association, criticised the Agriculture Department for favouring private players, allegedly enabling above-MRP sales. He also accused the Centre of promoting nano urea by curtailing traditional fertiliser availability.
In response, Assistant Agriculture Officer Jeevansaab Kushtagi defended nano urea, calling it eco-friendly and more efficient due to its easy plant absorption.
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Deputy Commissioner Suresh Itnal warned that no trader is allowed to pressure farmers into buying additional products like pesticides or bio-stimulants along with fertilisers. He assured strict penalties for overpricing or illegal stocking, urging farmers to report violations immediately.