Is the MP Government Ignoring Fertiliser Shortages?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fertiliser shortages are impacting farmers in Madhya Pradesh.
- The state government faces criticism for inadequate preparation.
- Immediate action is necessary to support farmers during the sowing season.
- Protests have been organized by the Congress party in response to the crisis.
- The situation raises concerns about agricultural policy effectiveness.
Bhopal, Aug 6 (NationPress) Senior Congress MLA and former Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ajay Singh has vehemently condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration for the ongoing fertiliser shortages in the state, claiming that inadequate preparation has left farmers in distress.
Ajay Singh expressed his frustration after the state's Agriculture Minister Aidal Singh Kansana stated in the House that Madhya Pradesh has sufficient fertilisers available for farmers to sow their Kharif crops. This is despite numerous reports indicating that farmers across various districts are struggling to find urea and DAP fertilisers.
"It’s truly disheartening to hear the BJP Minister claim in the House that there is no fertiliser shortage in Madhya Pradesh. I can confirm that there is a significant lack of fertiliser in my own Churhat constituency in Sidhi district," remarked Ajay Singh.
The Congress leader highlighted that farmers have a limited window during the monsoon season to sow their Kharif crops.
He noted that if the state government had proactively arranged for fertiliser supplies, the current panic among farmers could have been avoided.
"At this critical juncture, we must set aside political games and take immediate action to ensure farmers do not face hardships. Our state relies heavily on agriculture, unlike Gujarat and Maharashtra," he emphasized.
Moreover, the Congress MLA from Churhat, the birthplace of his father and former Chief Minister Arjun Singh, also took the opportunity to criticize Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
"This reflects the situation in the native state of the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who considers himself a 'farmer's son,'" he stated.
Prior to Ajay Singh’s remarks, veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Kamal Nath had also denounced the BJP-led state government for filing FIRs against farmers protesting over the fertiliser shortages and black-marketing in the state, asserting that the government is treating farmers like "criminals."
Last week, the Congress, led by LoP Umang Singhar, staged a protest during the ongoing Monsoon session of the Assembly.