PM’S ADDRESS SPARKS PANIC AMONG FARMERS

PM’S ADDRESS SPARKS PANIC AMONG FARMERS

22-MAY-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA------------------------At the Biscomaun Bhawan located in Sakri village within the Kudra block of the district, an atmosphere of panic has gripped farmers amidst fears of a future shortage of chemical fertilizers ahead of the crop-sowing season. Consequently, farmers are enduring significant hardship in the scorching heat in their quest to procure these fertilizers. It is worth noting that in recent days, during various addresses, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to farmers to minimize their consumption of chemical fertilizers, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on foreign currency and imports. This appeal has instilled a apprehension among farmers that a shortage of chemical fertilizers may be imminent. As a result, a scramble to secure chemical fertilizers has begun even before the commencement of the paddy-sowing season. Long before the actual planting season, a large number of farmers are converging to procure fertilizers and DAP amidst the blistering heat. Resentment was palpable among the farmers, who were forced to wait for hours under the harsh sun and humid conditions. Farmers were seen standing in long queues right from the early morning hours. The farmers argue that the agricultural window is extremely critical, and a failure to receive fertilizers on time could adversely impact the paddy-sowing process. Meanwhile, the administrators of the government-run facility also appeared overwhelmed by the situation. They stated that managing the situation is becoming increasingly difficult due to the surging crowds of farmers and the limited availability of fertilizers. The administrators have appealed to the government to promptly make adequate quantities of fertilizers and DAP available—keeping the farmers' requirements in mind—so that farmers may find relief and agricultural operations remain unaffected.