Kothagudem is facing a severe shortage of urea, despite the government’s assurances of adequate supply to Telangana. Farmers in Bhadradri are struggling with limited resources and poor weather.
The monsoon has been unreliable in Bhadradri Kothagudem. June saw only 134.4 mm of rain instead of the expected 169.1 mm, a 20% deficit. Although July brought more rain, it was uneven and didn’t help much. Meanwhile, a lack of urea is pushing farmers to their limits.
The district has over 2.08 lakh acres of cotton and 12,000 acres of paddy. Farmers hoped for timely rain and enough fertilisers during the Kharif season, but both have been lacking.
By August, 30,277 metric tonnes (MT) of urea are needed, yet only 19,202 MT have been provided. Of this, 16,786 MT reached farmers, while 3,166 MT are stuck with private dealers who sell them at higher prices, raising concerns about supply chain issues.
Farmers are desperate, queuing up early at agricultural godowns and dealers’ shops for just a few bags of urea. Some have to travel long distances, spending extra on transport, about Rs. 50 per bag, plus auto fares. Satish, a farmer from Rampuram, expresses frustration, saying private dealers charge Rs. 350 or more per bag. “Growing cotton without urea now is impossible,” he says.
With irregular monsoon rains, nutrient support is crucial. Although the Agriculture Department claims “no shortage,” officials privately admit that 10,000 MT more urea is urgently needed.
Large farmers are allegedly hoarding urea by using their influence, leaving small farmers with less access due to biometric systems and delays.
District Agriculture Officer V. Baburao stated, “We are inspecting and warning dealers about overpricing. We are also promoting nano urea as an alternative, though farmers are hesitant. Another 10,000 MT of urea is expected soon.”
Farmers are losing hope as paddy fields dry and cotton crops fail to grow. With the Kharif season at a critical point, they demand immediate government action, fair fertiliser distribution, and strict measures against black marketing.
Currently, Bhadradri’s fields remain dry, forsaken by the systems meant to support them.
