Farmers in the Madanapalle revenue division of Annamayya district are grappling with a severe urea shortage, which is putting their crucial maize, jowar, and paddy crops at high risk. Without adequate fertilizer, these vital crops are beginning to wither, threatening their harvest.
In a desperate attempt to secure essential urea, countless farmers are flocking to government distribution centers across the district, often queuing from dawn. Despite official assurances that stock levels are sufficient, farmers report a starkly different, challenging reality on the ground.
Those in B. Kothakota mandal voice serious concerns, explaining that the limited fertilizer supplies that do reach local shops are depleted within mere hours. Farmers claim these scarce bags are then resold at exorbitant prices, sometimes up to ₹340 per bag. Farmer Srinivasa Murthy expressed his despair: “This leaves us powerless. There’s no advance notice about new stock arrivals, meaning only a handful of farmers ever benefit from this chaotic distribution system.”
With no local alternatives available, many farmers are forced to undertake costly journeys to Chintamani in neighboring Karnataka, where they can acquire urea for ₹350 per bag, plus additional transport expenses. “This situation is deeply troubling, and authorities must act swiftly to alleviate the farmers’ plight,” urged farmer Sriramulu.
Adding to their woes, farmers attempting to source urea from adjacent mandals often face strong resistance from local farmers, who allegedly prevent outsiders from accessing their limited supplies.