Union Minister J.P. Nadda refuted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s allegations of a fertiliser shortage as politically driven, emphasizing that there is no crisis and farmers are being misled. Nadda criticized the Congress for exploiting farmers for votes and spreading misinformation instead of supporting them genuinely. He highlighted that under the Modi government, fertiliser availability has consistently exceeded demand nationwide.
Nadda pointed out that Indian farmers continue to benefit from heavily subsidized fertiliser prices despite global cost pressures. He cited examples, noting that while internationally urea costs over Rs 4,000 per bag, Indian farmers acquire it for just Rs 266.5. Similarly, during the Covid period, farmers have access to DAP at Rs 1,350 per bag compared to global prices exceeding Rs 4,000.
The Union Minister expressed disbelief at Kharge’s alleged misinformation and suggested that external influences might be at play in shaping such statements. He reassured that current fertiliser stock levels surpass last year’s figures, with DAP stocks up by more than 50%, NPK stocks by around 30%, and urea availability remaining steady.
Nadda disclosed that he personally engaged with Chief Ministers and Agriculture Ministers of key states to ensure uninterrupted fertiliser availability. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with state authorities to combat hoarding, diversion, black marketing, and any attempts to instigate panic. Additionally, the government has secured 25 lakh metric tonnes of urea through global tenders, with efforts to secure alternative supply sources in progress.
