Why is the BJD Criticizing Mohan Majhi's Government Over Fertiliser Shortage in Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJD raises alarm over fertiliser shortages.
- Farmers face significant challenges due to government inaction.
- Immediate measures are needed to ensure timely fertiliser supply.
- Protests planned to highlight the issue.
- Government claims there is no scarcity of fertiliser in Odisha.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 12 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed serious concerns on Friday regarding the fertiliser shortage in Odisha, accusing the government of not providing timely supplies for farmers during this vital cultivation period.
In a media briefing, senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma highlighted that farmers in various districts are encountering significant challenges due to the lack of fertilizers. He claimed that despite multiple requests, the authorities have failed to improve the supply chain, putting farmers in distress.
“The government's negligence has resulted in farmers standing in long lines, only to leave without any fertilizers. This crisis not only affects crop productivity but also poses a threat to food security in the state,” Das Burma remarked.
The BJD leader called for immediate actions to secure a sufficient and timely supply of fertilizers. He urged the government to acknowledge the hardships faced by farmers and develop an action plan to prevent such crises in the future.
He also announced that the party would hold a dharna in front of the Governor's residence on September 17 to protest the inadequate supply of fertilizers in Odisha.
The party has warned of protests at collector offices throughout the state if the issue is not resolved promptly.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a high-level meeting on Thursday to assess the current fertilizer supply situation. He instructed all district collectors to monitor fertilizer distribution through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Large-Sized Adivasi Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPCS) within the state.
The state government claims the central government has allocated 9,55,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer necessary for Odisha until September 30 during the ongoing Kharif Season of 2025.
The government reassured that there is no fertilizer scarcity in Odisha. CM Majhi provided these directives during a high-level review meeting about the fertilizer supply status.
On Thursday, during the high-level meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to take swift action upon receiving any complaints regarding black marketing, hoarding, and the distribution of substandard fertilizers to farmers.