Panic buying of fertilisers triggers price surge in Raichur

Raichur: Farmers across the district are increasingly anxious as fertiliser prices have surged sharply ahead of the sowing season, fueled by fears of a potential shortage of key inputs like urea and DAP.With last year's severe urea scarcity still fresh in their minds, many farmers have begun purchasing fertilisers well in advance. Concerns over possible supply disruptions, linked to ongoing conflicts in West Asia, have intensified this early buying trend, placing unexpected pressure on local supply chains.Agriculture department sources reveal a dramatic spike in demand. While nearly 1,000 metric tonnes of urea were sold during the same period last year, about 4,000 metric tonnes have already been sold in just the past 15 days. This sharp rise highlights the scale of panic buying gripping the region.The situation has been further complicated by farmers from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh sourcing fertilisers from Raichur, contributing to dwindling stocks and rising prices. Although a 45 kg bag of urea is officially priced at Rs 265, it is reportedly being sold for up to Rs 500 in some areas. Black market activity has exacerbated the crisis, hitting small and marginal farmers the hardest.Prices of other fertilisers have also surged significantly. NPK 10-26-26, MOP (Muriate of Potash), and Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (16-20-0-13) have seen increases of Rs 250 to Rs 300 per 50 kg bag—far higher than the usual hike of Rs 50 to Rs 100. Meanwhile, DAP remains priced at Rs 1,500 per bag but is increasingly difficult to procure.Farmer leaders have criticised the lack of strict monitoring, alleging unchecked overpricing and hoarding. They have questioned the effectiveness of vigilance teams in curbing such practices.Joint director of agriculture Prakash Chavan, however, has urged farmers not to panic, assuring that adequate supplies will be ensured. Kalyana Karnataka Farmers' Association state president Jindappa has called on govt to regulate prices and, if needed, compensate farmers through higher minimum support prices to offset rising input costs.