Seed, fertiliser shortage sparks BKS protest

Belagavi: Members of the Bharatiya Krishik Samaj (BKS) staged a protest in Belagavi on Monday, demanding immediate govt intervention to address the shortage of seeds, fertilisers, and diesel.

The protesters marched from Channamma Circle to the DC’s office and submitted a memorandum to both the Union and state govts. They also urged an increase in disaster relief funds. BKS president Sidagouda Modagi said the price hike has raised concerns as agricultural activity has picked up this year, with farmers preparing their land for sowing. He said statements by the central and state govts attributing disruptions to the war have created confusion among farmers.

“Any disruption in the supply of seeds, fertilisers, and diesel during the sowing season will severely impact agricultural activities. The govt should take immediate steps to address the situation and increase allocations under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF),” he said.

The BKS also demanded that diesel required for agriculture be supplied at adequate and subsidised rates. It called for proper surveys and timely distribution of compensation for horticultural crop losses caused by untimely rains.

The organisation urged authorities to curb the black marketing of seeds and fertilisers, alleging that artificial shortages were being created. It said officials should be held accountable for such practices and losses should be recovered from them.

Highlighting shortages of seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, the BKS sought immediate corrective measures. It also demanded the formation of the Prime Minister’s Fasal Bima Yojana District Grievance Redressal Committee.

Further, it called for increased compensation for crop damage caused by wild animals and for medical expenses arising from human-wildlife conflicts, particularly affecting farmers in the Western Ghats region. BKS leaders Shivleela Misale, Mallikarjun Mugappagol, Shekhar Akkannavar, and Somappa Durgi were present.