Fertilizer Crisis in MP: Farmers Protest, Throw Stones, Block Roads; Receive Fertilizer Immediately After Hectic Standoff

Shajapur: Despite adequate fertilizer stocks being available, farmers in Shajapur staged a protest on Monday morning, blocking roads and creating chaos at the local distribution center. The farmers also clashed with the staff at the distribution center on Bercha Road, even throwing stones at the shutters.

A large police contingent was deployed to manage the situation. Although authorities intervened, the farmers continued expressing their frustration over the unavailability of fertilizer.

Farmers’ Grievance:
Farmers have raised questions over why they are unable to access fertilizer despite sufficient stock in the district. They also criticized the token-based distribution system implemented as a pilot project, claiming it has caused them repeated inconvenience, forcing them to make multiple trips to distribution centers.

Immediate Distribution After Protest:
Following the protest at Tanki Chowraha, officials intervened and handed over fertilizer immediately at the distribution center near Kotwali police station. Several farmers questioned the system, noting that only after creating a commotion did they receive fertilizer promptly, whereas previously they faced difficulties obtaining it through the official token system.

Administrative Lapses Highlighted:
Authorities claim that sufficient fertilizer stocks are available in the district and in higher quantities compared to previous years. However, inefficiencies in the distribution process and lack of proper oversight have left farmers struggling. Naib Tehsildar Nahid Anjum stated that online portal issues had prevented proper distribution, which was resolved after officials resorted to POS machine-based allocation and coordinated with Bhopal authorities.

Conclusion:
This incident underscores the gap between availability and accessibility of essential agricultural inputs. Farmers’ grievances emphasize the need for a more streamlined and transparent fertilizer distribution system to prevent such conflicts in the future.