Farmers in Rewa and Umaria are distressed due to fertilizer shortages. Farmers standing in queues were beaten by the police, and cases were registered against them. Black marketing of fertilizer and lathi-charge have exacerbated the villagers' problems.
Umaria: A severe fertilizer shortage in the Rewa and Umaria districts of Madhya Pradesh has increased the difficulties for farmers. Incidents of lathi-charge and physical assault by police and warehouse employees against farmers queuing for fertilizer have been reported. Despite the Chief Minister's directives, farmers are not receiving fertilizer. The situation has become so serious that some fertilizer vendors are selling it for up to Rs 1000 for black marketing purposes.
Lathi-charge on Farmers in Rewa
A large crowd of farmers had gathered at fertilizer distribution centers in Rewa district. The police resorted to a lathi-charge to control the mob. Following this incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reviewed fertilizer distribution and instructed officials to ensure farmers receive fertilizer without any hassle.
However, despite the CM's orders, no concrete action has been taken at the administrative level. Farmers allege that they still have to stand in long queues to get fertilizer, and incidents of assault continue. Farmers state that government policies look good on paper but have no impact on the ground.
Cases Registered Against Farmers in Umaria
The situation is even more critical at the fertilizer warehouse in Manpur, Umaria district. Farmers allege that in addition to fertilizer scarcity, they are facing assault and legal cases. Farmer Anil Yadav stated that a fertilizer vendor assaulted him, and the police also beat him. Furthermore, a case has been registered against him.
Farmer Raghuveer Patel said that despite standing in line for four days, he has not received fertilizer. He had received a token, but it was not accepted. Brij Vishal Patel has been in line for five days and says his condition is deteriorating from standing in the sun. Drinking water was also not available.
Black Marketing and Bribery of Fertilizer
Farmers allege that fertilizer is being sold at inflated prices and bribery is rampant in many places. Some are selling fertilizer for Rs 600-650, while others are selling it for up to Rs 1000. Farmers say that despite government efforts, there has been very little improvement in actual distribution.
Tehsildar Ramlal Panika stated that fertilizer is being distributed as soon as it arrives and denied any incidents of assault. He refuted the farmers' allegations, but local residents and farmers maintain that the administration's actions are insufficient.
Tension Between Farmers and Administration Due to Fertilizer Shortage
Despite the CM's directives, the fertilizer shortage and incidents of assault have increased tension between farmers and the administration. Farmers are continuously complaining that the administration is not providing them with proper facilities and forcing them to endure hunger, thirst, and the sun.
The situation is so serious that many farmers have complained about bribery and black marketing in the name of fertilizer. Administrative officials claim that fertilizer distribution is ongoing, but the lack of cooperation from farmers and the challenge of crowd control are making it difficult.
