Can CM Revanth Reddy Secure Timely Urea Supply for Telangana?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Revanth Reddy is pushing for timely urea supplies from the Centre.
- Only 3.07 lakh tonnes of urea were delivered, falling short of needs.
- Urea prices have surged to Rs 325 per bag, impacting farmers.
- Opposition leaders are demanding investigations into the shortage.
- Farmers are facing significant challenges due to the fertiliser crisis.
Hyderabad, July 8 (NationPress) Amid a critical shortage of fertilisers in Telangana, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy held discussions with Union Minister for Fertilisers and Chemicals J.P. Nadda in Delhi on Tuesday. He urged for the timely provision of urea allocated to Telangana to fulfill the agricultural demands during the farming season.
During their conversation, the Chief Minister highlighted that only 3.07 lakh tonnes of urea was delivered from April to June, falling short of the 5 lakh metric tonnes required for the Kharif season.
With farming activities currently in full swing and substantial inflows into state projects, CM Revanth Reddy appealed to ensure uninterrupted urea supply.
He pointed out that for July, 63,000 tonnes of domestically produced urea and 97,000 metric tonnes of imported urea were scheduled for supply, yet only 29,000 tonnes had been dispatched by the Centre.
The Chief Minister also sought an increase in the quota of domestically produced urea and the number of rakes allocated for urea transportation, given the Railways' hesitation to meet demand.
This shortage has incited frustration among farmers across the state.
The urea deficit could jeopardize farming operations during the Kharif season. Prices have surged to Rs 325 per 45-kg bag, compared to the subsidised rate of Rs 266.50 to Rs 268.
In response, K. T. Rama Rao, working president of the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has called for an inquiry into the fertiliser deficit.
He challenged the Congress government to clarify why there is a statewide shortage of 1.94 lakh tonnes, questioning the price hike of urea bags from Rs 266.50 to Rs 325. This clarification is essential not only for farmers but for all citizens of the state.
KTR questioned the government's efficacy in providing even a single sack of fertiliser, despite mandatory Aadhaar registrations.
The BRS leader accused the government of failing to execute the Rythu Bharosa scheme or to alleviate farm loans. Even when farmers secure loans for cultivation, they still face fertiliser shortages.