Udaipur Farmers Feed Gulab Jamun to Donkeys in Dramatic Protest Against Fertilizer Shortage

In a striking and symbolic protest against the ongoing urea fertilizer crisis, farmers in Udaipur resorted to an unusual form of demonstration on Monday. Organised by the Mewar Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, the protest targeted alleged corruption, black marketing, and mismanagement by officials in the agriculture department.

During the protest, farmers draped donkeys with flower garlands and fed them gulab jamuns, using the act as a satirical critique of how the system treats farmers. A bag of urea fertilizer was also placed on a chair with floral tributes to emphasize the farmers’ grievances and demand administrative attention.

Allegations of Black Marketing and Manipulation

Committee chairman Vishnu Patel accused middlemen and officials of charging farmers ₹450–500 per bag, far above the government-set price of ₹277, while fertilizer remains easily available in the market at inflated rates. Patel also claimed that licensed warehouses deliver less than the quota, with records falsely showing higher allocations to farmers, undermining transparency.

Co-chairman Madanlal Dangi questioned why fertilizer shortages recur each year despite the government having detailed data on land, crops, and expected production. He emphasized that the chain of commission extends to top officials, forcing farmers to pay exorbitant prices.

Demands and Warnings

The farmers’ committee urged that fertilizer distribution follow a system similar to the ration supply network, providing receipts for each purchase and allocation based on landholdings. A memorandum was submitted to Joint Director of Agriculture Sudhir Verma, warning that if their demands are not addressed promptly, the agitation will escalate further.

This unique protest has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the frustration of Rajasthan’s farmers over systemic failures and corruption in fertilizer distribution.