Bhubaneswar: Amid allegations of fertiliser shortage, the Cooperation Department. has written to all district Collectors directing immediate action against black marketing of fertilisers in Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and LAMPs.
To curb the issue, the Cooperation Department has mandated that all PACS renew their licenses and prioritise fertiliser distribution. PACS that fail to participate in fertiliser distribution will be barred from purchasing paddy. Meanwhile, farmers are protesting on highways, demanding urea fertiliser, and queuing up outside PACS to obtain the essential input.
A striking scene unfolded at the Gaudgotha PACS in Deogaon Block, Balangir District, where over 800 farmers formed a long line, bringing their Aadhaar cards, to procure urea fertiliser. Despite 315 bags of fertiliser arriving, the demand far exceeds the supply, with 760 farmers registered to sell paddy at the same PACS.
A PACS secretary in Jharsuguda has been suspended for illegally selling urea. He was caught during a joint raid by district administration, agriculture officials and Cooperation department staff.
