Ministers told: meet farmers' fertilizer needs fully

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-09-07 06:30:29 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-10 00:17:10

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Full fertilizer supply should be linked with Aadhaar-based WebLand and e-Crop systems from the next rabi season, the government has said, aiming to alleviate shortages that have sparked protests from farmers.

The directive came yesterday at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which ministers reviewed the fertilizer outlook for the next rabi season, as well as the current situation.

"Almost every state complained about fertilizers shortages," the prime minister was quoted as saying, adding that farmers' interests should be safeguarded. He cited the need for states to play a proactive role in resolving bottlenecks.

The government recently announced an increase in the subsidy given to fertilizer producers to help combat the shortage. This followed an urgent meeting on July 6, attended by the minister for chemicals and fertilizers and the minister for agriculture and farmers' welfare.

The shortage has been attributed to factors including the increased demand for fertilizers after last year's excellent harvest incentives, a supply crunch due to the Russia-Ukraine war, and a decrease in domestic production.

The government is also addressing issues in urea supply and recently allocated an additional Rs 7,000 crore ($871 million) to help boost availability.

"The government is taking a number of steps to help farmers, including increasing the subsidy given to fertilizer producers," a government official told The Hindu. "The aim is to ensure sufficient stocks of fertilizers, including those distributed through the subsidy scheme, reach farmers in time for the rabi cropping season."

The upcoming season, which begins in October, is a period of high agricultural activity. Many farmers grow crops during this period, with some of the crops ready for harvest by March.

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The shortage has sparked protests from farmers, who contend that they are losing crops and facing increased costs because of the shortage and price increases.

Last week, thousands of farmers marched in Mumbai to demand that the government address the crisis. The farmers, who walked for about 85 kilometers from Nashik to Mumbai, were supported by members of the opposition Indian National Congress party.

"The farmers' march from Nashik to Mumbai through the heat and humidity is a testament to their desperation and anger," Congress president Sonia Gandhi said in a statement. "The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government must listen to their grievances and find a solution."

Gandhi said the party will "stand shoulder to shoulder" with the farmers "in their fight for their rights."

The issue has also sparked concerns among political opponents who have criticized the government's handling of the situation.

"The government cannot afford to ignore the crisis facing farmers," said Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Congress politician in the Rajya Sabha. "It is a result of the government's indifference and lack of vision. It is a wake-up call for the government."

The government has said it is committed to resolving the crisis and ensuring that farmers have access to fertilizers for the rabi season.

"The prime minister has directed officials to ensure that all efforts are made to provide farmers with access to fertilizers," a government official told The Hindu. "The government is taking a number of steps to address the issue, and it is working to ensure that farmers have the resources they need for the rabi season."

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Conclusion

A shortage of fertilizers has sparked farmer protests and concerns among political opponents, who have criticized the government's handling of the situation.

The government, which recently increased subsidies to help boost fertilizer production, has said that it is committed to resolving the crisis and ensuring that farmers have adequate supplies from the next rabi season.

"Farmers are the backbone of this country," a government official told The Hindu. "And the government is committed to ensuring that they have all the support they need to continue doing what they do best."

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