Fertilizer Shortage Sparks Chaos in Bundi; Five Women Seriously Injured

Kota/Bundi, Rajasthan: The fertilizer crisis in Rajasthan’s Hadoti region has reached alarming levels, triggering protests and panic among farmers. In Bundi’s Sumerganj Mandi, a stampede erupted during fertilizer distribution, leaving five women seriously injured. The shortage of urea and DAP during the critical Rabi sowing season has intensified the problem, raising fears over crop damage.

Short Supply Sparks Panic Among Farmers

The Hadoti region is experiencing a severe shortage of fertilizers. Farmers, forced to wait for hours in long lines under harsh conditions, have expressed frustration over the inadequate supply. On Thursday, distribution at Sumerganj Mandi led to chaos as 1,400 bags of fertilizer ran out within three hours. The panic resulted in five women being hospitalized at the local primary health center; one woman lost consciousness for two hours, and another required five stitches. Police intervened and arrested seven individuals for disturbing peace.

Rabi Season Demand Far Exceeds Supply

According to Ashok Sharma, Director of the Kota Agricultural Extension Department, Hadoti requires 355,000 metric tons of urea for the Rabi season. However, only 144,000 metric tons have been delivered so far, of which 118,000 metric tons have reached farmers. Similarly, for DAP, the demand of 116,000 metric tons has only seen 55,000 metric tons delivered, with 48,000 metric tons already distributed and 6,000 metric tons still pending.

Farmers Protest Mismanagement and Black Marketing

The injured women—Murti Bai Barwa, Saita Bai Meena (Toksapura), Badri Bai Meena, and two others—reported that they had come only to collect fertilizer and were unaware that such chaos would ensue. They accused authorities of poor management and black marketing of fertilizers.

After the stampede, distribution continued under administrative supervision, but each farmer received only two bags, insufficient to meet crop needs. Farmers blocked roads and staged protests outside the agricultural mandi to demand adequate supply. Police, led by Thana Officer Ramlal Meena, managed to calm the crowd and resume distribution.

Farmers Demand Government Action

The crisis has heightened fears of potential crop damage due to insufficient fertilizers. Farmers are demanding that the government ensure adequate and timely fertilizer supply, and curb illegal distribution practices.