Is the Centre Failing to Provide Enough Fertilizers to Karnataka?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Siddaramaiah claims insufficient fertilizer supply from the Centre.
- BJP announces protests against the state government.
- Urgent need for 1.65 lakh metric tonnes of urea emphasized.
- Heightened tensions between Congress-led state and the Central government.
- Farmers face uncertainty during critical farming period.
Bengaluru, July 28 (NationPress) In light of the BJP's assertions regarding a shortage of urea, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented on Monday that the Centre has not delivered the necessary quantity of fertilizers to the state.
While addressing an audience in Mandya, CM Siddaramaiah remarked: "The Central government has turned anti-farmer by failing to supply the essential fertilizers to Karnataka."
"Despite our government sending a letter to the Centre a week ago, urging for the essential fertilizers, we have yet to receive a response. We challenge BJP MPs and Union Ministers from Karnataka to engage with the Central government to secure the fertilizer supply."
In response to the fertilizer shortage, particularly urea, during this critical farming period following beneficial rains, the Karnataka BJP has announced plans for protests against the Congress-led state government's lack of preparedness and its ineffective attempts to blame the Centre for fertilizer supply issues.
This situation has heightened tensions between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Centre.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to Union Minister J.P. Nadda, responsible for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, urging him to hasten the supply of 1.65 lakh metric tonnes of urea fertilizer as per the state's allocation, in the farmers' best interest.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, overseeing Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, sharply criticized CM Siddaramaiah, accusing him of misleading Karnataka's citizens with inaccurate statements regarding fertilizer availability.
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated: "As of the end of July, the Centre has dispatched 8.73 metric tonnes of fertilizers to the state, while our expectation was 6.31 lakh metric tonnes. The fertilizer has indeed arrived in excess of the state's demand. However, the state government should have prepared adequately, particularly in Kalaburagi where tur dal is cultivated. They should have anticipated the fertilizer needs in various districts. This reflects the failure of the state government and the Agriculture Minister."