Fertiliser Shortage Leaves Farmers Waiting As Queues Grow In MP's Alirajpur

Aalirajpur (Madhya Pradesh): Farmers faced long queues and alleged mismanagement at the Malwai fertiliser distribution centre on Saturday, with many claiming they had been making repeated visits despite holding e-tokens and manual tokens.

Farmers said they travel 30 to 50 km from different villages but often have to return empty-handed.

One farmer said he had been visiting the centre since Aug 5 and had completed three token attempts, but had still not received fertiliser after 17 days.

Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti district president Arvind Kanesh, who visited the centre, questioned the arrangements.

He said 700 to 800 farmers had earlier been issued tokens and were visiting the centre for several days, but uncertainty followed changes in the token system.

Kanesh also highlighted the lack of basic facilities, saying there was no borewell at the centre and drinking water tank had not been refilled for several days. He alleged that the operator, who travels from Jobat, reaches the centre around 11 am, and suggested appointing a local operator.

Farmers also alleged black marketing, claiming five to six vehicles unload fertiliser daily while stocks are sent to societies. They alleged fertiliser is being sold in the market for Rs 700-800.

Farmers demanded additional cash counters in nearby areas. The agriculture department official could not be contacted for comment.