Lakhimpur Kheri: Despite official assurances, fertilizer remains elusive for farmers across Uttar Pradesh. In Lakhimpur Kheri, a disturbing incident unfolded on Wednesday when police were caught on video baton charging a young man protesting over the lack of availability of fertilizer. His elderly mother, who attempted to intervene, was also allegedly manhandled.
The episode unfolded just hours after Agriculture Minister claimed in a press conference that there was "no shortage" of fertilizer in the state. At the Bhadura Cooperative Society under Faradhan police station, officials shut distribution mid-day, citing technical issues. Farmers allege that only those with political connections were receiving fertilizer, prompting spontaneous highway blockades.
The affected farmer, Rajkishor, stated that despite injuries from police lathis, he returned the next day in hopes of securing a bag of fertilizer. At other centres like Magalganj, scuffles broke out among women after hours of waiting ended in disappointment.
Farmers across the district are demanding action against corrupt officials, proper monitoring through CCTV, and basic facilities like shaded waiting areas and separate queues for women and the elderly.
Humiliation for demanding rights
Akhilesh Yadav posted on X: “Humiliation for asking fertilizer. Do BJP leaders not see themselves in the mirror? Shameful. This is deeply condemnable and extremely unfortunate. Beating poor farmers on the streets instead of addressing their grievances exposes the real face of this government.”
No shortage in the district
Earlier on Wednesday, the Agriculture Minister stated: “There is no fertilizer shortage in Lakhimpur. Around 10 lakh metric tonnes about 25 lakh bags of urea have already been sent. Distribution is proceeding smoothly.” His statement came barely four hours before the Bhadura centre shut down.
We received blows, not fertilizer
Rajkishor, the assaulted farmer, said: “We’ve been coming for four days. I brought my wife and mother, but got nothing but lathi blows. My mother was hurt too. We’re still standing in line today. The fertilizer remains unavailable. Where is the administration that promised it would reach every farmer?”
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