Karnataka Agriculture Minister Appeals To Farmers For Calm Amid Fertiliser Supply Concerns

Bengaluru, Jul 25 (KNN) Karnataka Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has urged farmers to avoid panic buying of fertilisers, particularly urea, as concerns over supply shortages prompt queues at fertiliser outlets across the state. 

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, the Minister observed that farmers have begun stockpiling fertilisers they will not require for the next two months.

The Minister called upon farmers, agricultural leaders, and elected representatives to exercise restraint and refrain from advance stocking practices that could exacerbate supply concerns. 

He emphasised the need for awareness regarding the current fertiliser availability situation in the state.

According to official data presented by Cheluvarayaswamy, Karnataka requires 6.8 lakh tonnes of fertilisers for the April-July period. 

Of this requirement, 6.55 lakh tonnes have already been distributed to farmers, while an additional 1.94 lakh tonnes remains in stock across the state.

The Minister attributed the current situation to three primary factors. Early and favorable monsoon conditions have accelerated sowing activities, leading to increased demand. 

Additionally, the central government has reduced urea allocation to Karnataka, while farmers have engaged in precautionary stockpiling of fertilisers.

Cheluvarayaswamy revealed that he has sent multiple communications to the central government requesting additional urea allocation. 

Department officials are maintaining continuous dialogue with their federal counterparts to address the supply gap. 

The Minister disclosed that he had approached Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during Thursday's Cabinet meeting, requesting intervention at the highest level. 

He asked the Chief Minister to write to the Centre for increased urea allocation and to raise the issue during his current visit to Delhi.

(KNN Bureau)