Recent investigations have revealed that Markfed, the state-owned corporation responsible for fertiliser distribution, has diverted subsidised urea meant for agriculture to private wholesalers, causing a critical shortage across Sambalpur district.
Urea Meant for Farmers Diverted
According to credible Odia-language newspapers, Markfed received a shipment of 426 tonnes of urea in April, May, and June. Instead of distributing it through the mandated cooperative network, the supply was funnelled to unauthorised traders who are now selling it at inflated prices.
Farmers Forced to Pay Beyond Subsidy Rates
Rural farmers in urgent need of urea are being forced to buy it from these resellers at Rs 520–600 per 50-kg bag, nearly double the government-subsidised rate of Rs 266.50.
Orders Ignored by Markfed
Sambalpur district authorities had directed Markfed and the agriculture department to ensure urea was sold only through cooperative societies. However, allegations suggest Markfed deliberately ignored this directive, continuing sales to private dealers.
Farmer Protests Intensify
Angered by the malpractice, farmers staged demonstrations yesterday at the Chaunripur Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society. Protesters demanded strict disciplinary action against Markfed officials involved in the irregularities.
Voices of the Farmers
“This is a tragedy,” said a farmers’ leader, “that the Marketing Federation, created for our livelihood, has pushed subsidised urea into the hands of traders. We urge the Odisha government to punish those responsible and guarantee subsidised rates for us.”
Administration Orders Probe
Sambalpur District Collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar confirmed that a formal inquiry has been launched into the allegations. He assured that disciplinary measures would follow if any culpability is established.