Farmers cry foul over fertiliser overpricing in Asifabad

Farmers in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district have accused fertiliser dealers of overcharging for urea and DAP, collecting amounts well above the official MRP. Complaints have been lodged with local representatives, while officials face criticism for failing to curb diversion and black-market sales.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Farmers alleged that they were being fleeced by certain dealers who were overpricing complex chemical fertilizers such as urea and Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP).

Farmers accused some dealers of collecting more than Rs 300 per bag, citing various charges including hamali and other costs.

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“The dealers are mentioning Rs 266 in receipts, but actually collecting over Rs 300 from farmers. Some of them are not giving receipts to cover up their wrongdoing,” Vojjala Venkateshwar, a farmer from Koutala alleged.

It is learnt that the licensed dealers and traders are charging extra anywhere between Rs 300 and 400 per bag of urea as against the MRP of Rs 266, causing financial burden on the farmers. They are adding hamali and billing charges. Additionally, farmers need to bear transportation charges. The traders are collecting Rs 1,500 per bag of DAP compared with Rs 1,350.

The farmers allege that the overpricing of fertilizers is continuing unabated, particularly in rural parts of the district, as there is no supervision by officials.

“Many authorized traders continue to exploit the farmers by spiking the price of both urea and DAP in mandal centres and villages in Sirpur (T) segment. However, no action is being initiated despite complaints to officials,” a farmer said.

Farmers from Raspelli village lodged a complaint with MLA Dr Palvai Harish Babu recently. They urged Harish Babu to instruct officials to take stern action against those who overcharge fertilizers. They wanted him to bring this menace to the notice of the Centre. They requested the officials to take action against erring dealers by conducting inspections at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, officials are drawing flak for allowing diversion of fertilizers to black market to fleece farmers in the district. The diverted fertilizers are being sold when demand for urea and DAP goes up among the farmers in the middle of farming season. Long standing officials are facing charges of diversion and corruption.

Agriculture officials say that steps are being taken to prevent overpricing of fertilizers. They stated that surprise inspections would be carried out to check the menace. They noted that the fertilizers would be supplied to eligible farmers in three phases. They advised the farmers not to stock the fertilizers.