Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the availability and distribution of fertilizers for the upcoming Kharif season, with a strong focus on ensuring last-mile delivery to farmers across the state.
Highlighting concerns over global supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Chief Minister held discussions with District Collectors via video conferencing and directed officials to ensure adequate and timely supply of fertilizers at reasonable prices, particularly to small and marginal farmers.
During the meeting, Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav informed that the Central Government has allocated 1.14 million metric tonnes of fertilizers to Odisha for the current year. Against an estimated requirement of 79,630 metric tonnes for April, the state already has a stock of 361,490 metric tonnes as of April 15. The distribution network comprises 1,029 wholesale dealers and 12,093 retail dealers, with supplies from fertilizer companies continuing without disruption.
The Chief Minister was also apprised that inspections have been carried out at dealer points, leading to the cancellation of six licenses for irregularities. Officials highlighted the rollout of the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (IFMS) by the Union Ministry of Fertilizers, which enables real-time monitoring of fertilizer availability and allocation across districts.
Reviewing district-wise stock positions, Majhi noted that the state currently has 1.77 lakh metric tonnes of Urea and over 60,000 metric tonnes of DAP in reserve. However, he cautioned officials against complacency, emphasizing that ensuring access at the grassroots level remains the top priority.
Issuing a set of directives, the Chief Minister called for strict action against black marketing and hoarding, including surprise inspections, registration of FIRs, and cancellation of licenses of violators. He also directed enhanced surveillance at interstate border check posts to prevent diversion of fertilizers, with joint monitoring by police and agriculture officials.
Expressing concern over misuse of subsidized Urea for industrial purposes, Majhi instructed district-level task forces to curb such practices. He further directed the completion of Vigilance Committees in all Gram Panchayats within a few days to strengthen local-level monitoring.
On digital reforms, the Chief Minister stressed expediting the creation of Digital Farmer IDs, noting that 15 lakh farmers have been covered so far out of a total of 44 lakh. He said the initiative would improve transparency and ensure targeted delivery of benefits.
Additionally, he called for awareness campaigns to promote balanced use of fertilizers and encouraged farmers to adopt alternatives such as organic manure and Nano Urea.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized adherence to advisories issued by the Centre, while Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samant underscored the need to further strengthen the distribution system.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, senior officials of the Agriculture and Cooperation Departments, and district administrators participated in the meeting.
