Will Shivraj Singh Chouhan Address the Fertiliser Crisis?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan faced protests over fertiliser shortages.
- Farmers are struggling with access to necessary fertilisers.
- Chouhan committed to resolving the issues by liaising with relevant ministries.
- The political tension between Chouhan and CM Yadav is affecting farmers' welfare.
- Opposition parties accuse the ruling government of negligence.
Bhopal, Sep 11 (NationPress) The convoy of Union Agricultural Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan faced a blockade by Congress leaders during his visit to Satna district in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.
Congress MLA Siddharth Kushwaha, along with his supporters and numerous local farmers, obstructed the road as Chouhan's convoy attempted to pass through.
Chouhan exited his vehicle to listen to the farmers' concerns regarding the fertiliser shortage and reassured them that the issue would be addressed promptly.
A video circulating on social media depicted Chouhan surrounded by Congress activists and farmers, with Kushwaha stating, "Aapki Sarkar hai aur apko aadesh karna hai (It's your government. You just have to give an order)."
Later, Chouhan informed the media that Satna district has received 1.5 times more fertiliser compared to last year, along with a new stock of urea fertiliser that arrived on Thursday.
"So far, 27,700 MT of urea fertiliser has been allocated to Satna district this year, in contrast to 23,500 MT last year. I will confer with the state government and the Ministry of Fertilisers to ensure farmers do not encounter any shortages," Chouhan stated.
He attempted to calm the protesting farmers, explaining that the agricultural and fertiliser ministries function independently.
"As the Agriculture Minister, my role is different from that of the Fertiliser Ministry, which oversees distribution," Chouhan clarified.
While acknowledging that farmers in Madhya Pradesh face challenges in obtaining sufficient fertiliser, Chouhan expressed his intention to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The opposition Congress accused the ruling BJP of neglecting farmers' needs and mismanaging fertiliser distribution within the state.
During a press conference on Thursday, Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition, Umang Singhar, argued that the conflict between Chouhan and CM Yadav has resulted in a crisis for farmers.
"The Centre claims there is no fertiliser shortage; the issue lies in the state's distribution system. The ongoing discord between Chouhan and Yadav has left farmers in distress," Singhar asserted during a press briefing in Bhopal.