Farmers cry foul over traders forcing add-ons with fertilisers

Farmers in Karnal district have raised concerns about private fertiliser dealers allegedly forcing them to buy additional products such as nano-urea and chemicals along with DAP or urea during the current kharif sowing season, inflating input costs by Rs 200-Rs 400 per bag.

“While DAP and urea are sold at controlled prices, we are not given the choice to buy them alone,” said Saurabh, a farmer.

“Traders force us to buy extra nutrients and chemicals only from them, or they refuse to sell the fertiliser. This is unfair and is hurting us financially,” he added.

Neeraj, another farmer, echoed similar sentiments. “In the open market, we can buy as per our need and choice. This bundling practice should stop and authorities must act,” he said.

Responding to the issue, Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA), said fertiliser supply is adequate for the season.

“Kharif crops are being sown over 5.3 lakh acres in the district — 4.5 lakh under paddy, 42,000 acres under sugarcane. The requirement is about 95,000 MT urea and 20,000 MT DAP. DAP supply is almost complete and over 51,000 MT of urea has been sold,” he said.

To address the malpractice, Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh has formed sub-divisional monitoring committees comprising the SDM, tehsildar, agricultural officer and plant protection officer.

Following surprise inspections in Karnal and Assandh, show-cause notices were issued to six dealers and licences of four dealers have been suspended for irregularities.

“If any trader forces farmers to purchase unnecessary products, they should inform us immediately. We’ve shared helpline numbers and will take strict action,” Dr Singh added.

Haryana Tribune