Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has written to Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J.P. Nadda, expressing concern over severe mismanagement in the supply of fertilizers across Odisha.
Patnaik highlighted that farmers are facing serious difficulties due to shortages of urea, black marketing, and adulteration. Despite the state government claiming a stock of 7.94 lakh tonnes of fertilizer, farmers are unable to access supplies. Reports suggest that urea is being sold at prices higher than the official rate, while Odisha’s government agency Markfed has allegedly diverted subsidized fertilizer meant for farmers to private dealers.
He noted that the problem is particularly acute in tribal-dominated districts, where farmers have even taken to the streets demanding fertilizer. Patnaik warned that such shortages during the kharif season threaten to disrupt agricultural activities and livelihoods.
Underscoring agriculture’s importance to Odisha’s economy—providing livelihoods to over 70% of the population—Patnaik said the state had made remarkable progress over the past two decades, transforming from a rice-deficit state in 2000 to a key contributor to the Public Distribution System (PDS) nationally.
However, he lamented that mismanagement in the supply chain, corruption, and delays have now put farmers in crisis. He also criticized the delay in the Talcher fertilizer plant project, whose foundation was laid in 2018 with a three-year completion target, but remains non-operational even after seven years.
Patnaik demanded that the Centre immediately ensure adequate supply of urea to Odisha, warning that failure to act swiftly could severely impact farm output and the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers.
