Odisha government takes action against fertilizer black marketing to ensure supply to farmers

Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of farmers queuing up for urea and concerns over a purported shortage of fertilisers in Odisha, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday directed officials to intensify enforcement against black marketing and ensure smooth distribution across districts.Reviewing the supply situation, the CM instructed district collectors to closely monitor allocations to Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Large Area Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS). He emphasised that fertilisers seized during inspections should be redirected to nearby PACS or LAMPCS for immediate distribution to farmers, rather than being withheld.“There must be swift action on any complaint of black marketing or counterfeit supply,” Majhi said, adding that enforcement teams must conduct regular checks at district and block levels.Deputy chief minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also holds the agriculture portfolio, clarified that there is no shortfall in supply. “Due to good rainfall, demand surged this kharif season and is expected to remain high for another 10 days,” he said. The govt has already taken action in 58 cases related to black marketing, he added.According to official data, the central govt allocated 9.55 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser for Odisha by Sept 30, which matches the need. Majhi also directed the agriculture department to ensure timely supply of various fertiliser grades based on district-level requirements and stock status. MARKFED officials were asked to expedite distribution.The CM reiterated the govt’s commitment to crop diversification and integrated farming systems, especially in flood-affected areas. Under Samruddha Krushak Yojana, efforts are underway to promote oilseeds and pulses cultivation and support farmers with necessary inputs. Majhi interacted with district collectors via video conferencing to assess ground-level distribution and urged them to make all arrangements for farmers’ convenience.