A tense situation at a fertilizer distribution center in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, erupted into violence on Monday, leaving three farmers injured after two groups clashed. The incident, which occurred at the city grain market premises, highlighted underlying frustrations among farmers who had been waiting in queues since the early morning hours.
Eyewitnesses reported that chaos ensued shortly after the counter opened around 9:30 a.m. Pushing and shoving quickly escalated as some farmers attempted to rejoin the queue, sparking a heated altercation. The dispute soon turned physical, with both groups resorting to sticks, resulting in injuries to three individuals.
One of the injured, Ajay Tomar, was hospitalized, while the other two received treatment and were subsequently discharged. Tomar recounted the incident, stating, “We were pushed out of the queue during the rush. When we tried to get back in line, those behind us objected, and this led to the fight.”
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhupendra Singh Kushwaha, addressing reporters, confirmed that while fertilizer stocks were sufficient, the farmers’ commotion was a concern. He stated, “We will investigate why they came to the distribution centre carrying sticks.” Police promptly arrived at the scene to restore order, and legal action is being pursued against those involved from both sides. A video capturing the violent episode has since circulated on social media, further drawing attention to the issue.
This incident is not isolated. Just last week, the Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Umang Singhar, criticized the state government, alleging police lathi-charges against farmers enduring long queues for fertilizer, despite official claims of surplus stock. Singhar had previously asserted that the core problem wasn’t a lack of supply, but rather significant failures in distribution and management, suggesting complicity with “black-marketers.” He cited similar police actions against farmers waiting for fertilizer in Bhind on September 8 and Rewa on September 2.
The repeated clashes underscore a growing discontent among the farming community regarding access to essential agricultural supplies, raising serious questions about the efficiency and fairness of the state’s distribution system.