Harish slams ‘ban’ on urea sales

Hyderabad: Former minister and BRS deputy floor leader Harish Rao slammed the state govt for what he called an unofficial ban on urea sales in Telangana, labeling it an anti-farmer move. In a statement on Tuesday, he said this restriction has never happened in the state's history and claimed it started after the Congress government took power. Harish Rao expressed concern about reports of oral instructions to stop urea sales. He stated, "Imposing an unofficial ban without any formal order shows the government's anti-farmer stance. The government needs to explain why urea sales have stopped."Harish Rao noted that farmers growing sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables are facing serious problems due to the halt in urea supply. "Instead of providing urea, the government is making things worse. Even the app for fertilizer distribution has become a burden for farmers," he mentioned. He added that farmers are under pressure because of rising fertilizer prices and the unofficial ban on urea sales. "Prices are going up, and supply is being blocked. Farmers are being suffocated," he said.He also criticized the government for encouraging reduced urea use through campaigns instead of ensuring its supply. Harish Rao claimed the government has failed in key areas affecting farmers. He pointed out that the government is having official celebrations while farmers are struggling. "When farmers suffer due to procurement failures and supply shortages, how can the government celebrate? It is an insult to farmers," he said.