The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has strongly criticised the Telangana government for what it terms an “unofficial ban” on urea sales to farmers, alleging it’s a deliberate attempt to create an artificial shortage ahead of the kharif season. BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao accused the Congress government of failing to procure and distribute urea effectively, leading to farmers being forced to purchase the fertiliser at inflated prices from private vendors.
The BRS claims the government is intentionally restricting sales through primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS) to favour private companies, alleging a potential scam. They point to farmers being turned away from PACS despite possessing necessary documents like Aadhar and bank account details, and being told urea is unavailable.
BRS leaders highlight that the state government had initially claimed sufficient urea stocks were available, but the current situation contradicts this assertion. They argue the government’s failure to anticipate demand and procure accordingly is responsible for the crisis. The party alleges the government is attempting to shift blame onto farmers by accusing them of hoarding.
The BRS has demanded the government immediately address the urea shortage and ensure its availability to farmers at subsidized rates. They’ve called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in urea distribution and accused the government of being indifferent to the plight of farmers.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao responded by stating the government is aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it, including procuring additional urea from other states. He attributed the shortage to increased demand and logistical challenges. He denied any intentional restriction on sales and assured farmers that the government is committed to providing them with adequate fertiliser. The government maintains it is working to streamline the distribution process and prevent black marketing.
