Chhattisgarh Assembly Erupts Over Alleged Fertiliser Shortage; Government Denies Claims
The Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed a stormy session on Tuesday as Opposition Congress members accused the state government of failing to ensure adequate supplies of fertilisers and quality seeds for farmers during the ongoing kharif season. The Opposition moved an adjournment motion to debate the issue, but it was disallowed by the Speaker.
Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and other Congress MLAs raised the matter during Zero Hour, alleging shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), potash fertilisers, and high-yielding paddy seeds. They claimed that primary agricultural cooperative societies lack sufficient stocks of DAP and potash, which are critical during sowing and transplantation, while urea and nano fertilisers—not immediately needed—have been stocked in large quantities.
Mr. Baghel accused the agriculture department of misleading the public by claiming overall fertiliser stocks are adequate, despite specific shortages. He also alleged that the preferred paddy seed varieties are in acute shortage, forcing farmers to rely on pump sets due to inadequate rainfall. The Congress further raised concerns about the AgriStack portal, saying farmers face difficulties in registration and correction of land records, even as registration has been made mandatory for availing crop loans and selling produce at minimum support price.
In response, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam denied any shortage of fertilisers or certified seeds. He stated that 14.06 lakh tonnes of fertilisers—about 90% of the kharif target of 15.55 lakh metric tonnes—have already been stocked. On seeds, he said 4.76 lakh quintals of certified seeds were stocked against a target of 4.95 lakh quintals, and 4.72 lakh quintals of certified paddy seeds were available against demand of 4.79 lakh quintals.
Regarding DAP, the Minister said that despite adverse global conditions, Chhattisgarh has stocked 1.67 lakh tonnes (56% of target) and achieved 99% stocking of potash. He noted that farmers are not solely dependent on DAP and potash, as alternatives like NPK fertilisers and single super phosphate are available in sufficient quantities—95% of required NPK and 146% of required single super phosphate have been stocked at cooperative societies. The use of nano fertilisers is optional and based on scientific recommendations, he added.
Mr. Netam said the state government has been coordinating with the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers and the Prime Minister's Office to ensure adequate supplies, and stocks are about 96,000 metric tonnes higher than the corresponding period last year. He assured that adequate electricity is available for irrigation and that district administrations have been directed to ensure diesel supply for farmers using pump sets. Contingency plans have been prepared for all districts in view of deficient rainfall, and regular advisories are being issued.
After the Minister's reply, Speaker Raman Singh rejected the adjournment motion. Dissatisfied, 34 Congress MLAs and one legislator from the Gondwana Gantantra Party trooped into the well of the House, leading to their brief suspension.
