Shortage of fertilisers hits farmers in Koppal | Hubballi News

Koppal: Koppal district is facing a fertiliser shortage, mirroring the crisis across the state and raising concerns among local farmers.Agriculture minister N Chaluvarayaswamy, who admitted the existing shortage, said there is no sufficient stock. He explained that this is due to the cessation of exports from Iran and China. However, his remark later that “there is an excess of stock compared to demand and no fertiliser-related issues” has only added to the farmers’ confusion.Despite successful sowing due to favourable monsoon conditions, Koppal district faces inadequate availability of essential fertilisers, particularly urea. The district’s 400-plus fertiliser retail shops and over 60 primary agriculture cooperative societies (PACS) are allegedly creating artificial scarcity, despite administrative efforts to manage the situation.However, T Rudreshappa, joint director of the agriculture department, refuted claims of a shortage. He stated that the estimated demand for urea in the district from April to July was 31,252 metric tonnes, while 33,459 metric tonnes of fertiliser were available in stock. Of this amount, 28,757 metric tonnes were already distributed, leaving 4,702 metric tonnes still in stock. “Therefore, there is no shortage. We anticipate an additional 5,000 metric tonnes from SPIC, MFL, and RCF companies,” he assured.Despite the explanation provided by officials, the market situation remains unchanged. Farmers, women, and children are lining up outside stores to purchase urea. This issue has been observed not just in Koppal, but also in districts such as Vijayanagara, Ballari, Raichur, Gadag, Haveri, and Davanagere.Chamaras Malipatil, honorary president, Karnataka State Farmers’ Association, criticised the agriculture department’s preference for private traders over cooperative societies. He suggested this enables above-MRP sales and alleges central govt involvement in creating artificial shortages to promote nano urea.However, Jeevansaab Kushtagi, the assistant agriculture officer in Koppal, rejected these accusations. “Nano urea is a liquid fertiliser and is superior to traditional urea. Its small size allows for easy absorption by plants. Additionally, it is environment-friendly,” he explained. In view of these developments, Suresh Itnal, deputy commissioner of Koppal, emphasised that traders should not exert pressure on farmers to purchase bio-stimulants, pesticides, and sub-nutrients together with fertilisers. “They are not allowed to charge above the set price. Should anyone sell at a higher rate or stock illegally, they will be subject to strict penalties,” he cautioned.