Odisha Chief Minister Takes Firm Stand Against Fertilizer Hoarding
In a decisive move to safeguard agricultural interests, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued stringent directives to district collectors to combat black marketing and hoarding of fertilizers. The action comes as the state prepares for the crucial Kharif season amidst global supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Strict Measures Against Illegal Activities
During a high-level review meeting held on Friday, CM Majhi emphasized zero tolerance toward those exploiting farmers. He instructed district collectors to file FIRs and cancel licenses of dealers found engaging in hoarding or black market activities. The Chief Minister specifically warned that no laxity would be tolerated in preventing the misuse of subsidized fertilizers.
"We must go beyond paper statistics and ensure last-mile delivery reaches every farmer, especially small and marginal ones, at fair prices," Majhi stated during the virtual interaction with district magistrates.
Surprise Inspections and Stock Monitoring
The Chief Minister ordered surprise inspections at both wholesale and retail fertilizer points across the state. This proactive approach aims to prevent artificial shortages and price manipulation during the critical planting period.
Agriculture Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Yadav provided detailed stock information during the meeting. "The Centre will supply 11.42 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers to Odisha this year," Yadav reported. "While our April requirement stands at 79,630 metric tonnes, we currently have 3.61 lakh metric tonnes available as of April 15."
Current Fertilizer Status in Odisha
- Total wholesale dealers: 1,029
- Total retail dealers: 12,093
- Current urea stock: 1.77 lakh metric tonnes
- Current DAP stock: Over 60,000 metric tonnes
- Already cancelled dealer licenses: 6
Preventing Cross-Border Smuggling
To address leakage concerns, CM Majhi instructed officials to strengthen border checks in coordination with police and agriculture departments. Vehicles suspected of illegal fertilizer movement will be inspected under the Fertilizer Movement Control Order, with particular attention to preventing smuggling to neighboring states.
Combating Diversion to Industrial Use
The Chief Minister directed district-level task forces to specifically curb the diversion of subsidized urea meant for agricultural purposes to industries such as resin, plywood, and animal feed manufacturing. This measure aims to ensure that fertilizers reach their intended agricultural beneficiaries.
Grassroots Monitoring Committees
To enhance oversight at the local level, Majhi emphasized the formation of fertilizer monitoring committees at the panchayat level. Significant progress has already been made, with 6,229 out of Odisha's 6,794 gram panchayats having established such committees.
Digital Registration for Transparency
Highlighting the importance of transparency, the Chief Minister pushed for mission-mode digital registration of farmers. Currently, only 15 lakh out of Odisha's 44 lakh farmers have received Digital Farmer IDs. "Completing this digital registration process will ensure fair fertilizer distribution and easier access to government schemes for all farmers," Majhi emphasized.
The comprehensive approach combines strict enforcement, enhanced monitoring, and technological solutions to address fertilizer supply challenges during what promises to be a critical agricultural season for Odisha's farming community.
