Subsidised fertiliser ban in MP sparks anxiety among farmers

The Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of subsidised fertilisers across the state in the middle of the ongoing Kharif season, triggering concern among farmers and agricultural organisations over the possible impact on standing crops.
The restriction, which came into effect at 7 p.m. on August 14, will remain in force until further orders, according to the Agriculture Department.The move is expected to affect nearly 8.2 million (82 lakh) farmers in the state, particularly those cultivating paddy, as the crop requires timely application of fertilisers during the current stage of the growing season.
According to the Agriculture Department, the temporary suspension has been imposed to carry out a physical verification of fertiliser stocks and reconcile the inventory recorded on the Government of India's Integrated Fertiliser Management System (iFMS) portal with the actual stock available with dealers.The order applies to all fertiliser distribution centres in the state, including outlets operated by the Marketing Federation, cooperative societies, MP Agro and private fertiliser dealers.
The decision has drawn criticism from farmer organisations, which argue that the restriction comes at a crucial stage of the Kharif season when farmers require uninterrupted access to fertilisers to maintain crop growth and productivity.Agricultural groups have warned that any prolonged disruption in fertiliser supplies could adversely affect crop yields and lead to financial losses for farmers.
The absence of a clear timeline for the resumption of sales has further added to uncertainty. The state government has not announced any alternative arrangements for fertiliser distribution or specified when normal supplies will resume.Farmer organisations have also expressed concerns that the suspension could encourage black marketing and create opportunities for illegal sales, leading to further shortages in the regulated market.
The development comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, highlighted the government's efforts to ensure the availability of fertilisers at affordable prices despite rising global costs.Referring to urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), the two most widely used fertilisers in the country, Modi said geopolitical tensions had pushed up international prices, but the government had continued to shield Indian farmers from the burden.He said the global price of urea had risen to nearly Rs 3,000 per bag, while Indian farmers continued to receive it at around Rs 300 per bag because the government was absorbing the additional cost.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the need to reduce import dependence and strengthen domestic production as part of India's broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.With Kharif crops at a critical stage, farmers in Madhya Pradesh are now awaiting clarity from the state government on when fertiliser supplies will be restored.