Urea shortage: Farmer eats mud in protest | Hubballi News
Koppal: A farmer in Koppal city ate mud on Saturday to protest the shortage of urea fertiliser. Upon noticing the ‘no stock’ signboard at the TAPCMS, near Basaveshwar circle, in the city, Chandrappa Badagi from Kunikeri Tanda consumed mud on the spot and expressed his discontent with the govt.Just a day after deputy commissioner Suresh Itnal and agricultural joint director T Rudreshappa announced that there was no urea shortage, ‘no stock’ signboards were displayed in most shops, including TAPCMS, throughout the district.Farmers who travelled from various villages in the morning, anticipating that urea would be available at the TAPCMS complex, a cooperative entity, despite its absence in other stores, waited outside the shop for a long time before leaving disappointed. With ample rainfall across the district, the demand for urea surged, as it is crucial for good crop yield.Chandrappa Badgi, the farmer who protested by consuming mud, stated, “Urea is unavailable in all stores. However, influential individuals are acquiring it in large quantities. To obtain it, we must resort to purchasing it on the black market at inflated rates. I am frustrated with the govt for failing to provide fertiliser on time.”Koppal district has been facing a significant urea shortage. The agriculture department, responsible for supplying fertiliser to meet the demand, is not only suggesting the use of nano urea but has also initiated a campaign in the district to inform farmers that “Urea usage depletes soil fertility. Hence, opt for nano urea.”In response, Rudreshappa T, joint director of the agriculture department, said, “The central govt is promoting the idea that urea should be used sparingly and phased out. Therefore, we are encouraging the use of nano urea. Transitioning cannot happen overnight. Consequently, the necessary amount of urea has been provided. If there is a deficit, it will be addressed.”Despite the assurances provided by district officials, the shortage of urea and dissatisfaction among farmers continue to escalate in the district.
