Farmers face urea shortage, protest against OTP system in Siddipet
Farmers across Siddipet and Medak districts are facing severe urea shortages, with many spending days in queues to collect a single bag. Protests erupted in several mandals as farmers criticised the new OTP system and alleged black marketing of fertiliser
Siddipet: Shortage of urea continued to trouble farmers across the erstwhile Medak district, forcing them to wait in serpentine queues for days to collect a single bag.
In Nanganur of Siddipet district, the agriculture department’s introduction of the OTP system, replacing the earlier practice of accepting photocopies of pattadar passbooks, drew sharp criticism from farmers. They alleged that the system caused delays in distribution and accused Mandal Agriculture Officer Geetha of diverting stocks to the black market while farmers stood in long queues.
When Geetha arrived to address the issue, farmers confronted her and held her responsible for the chaos. Similar protests were reported from Chinnakodur, Irkode and other mandals. In Medak district, farmers staged demonstrations in Veldurthi, Shivvampet and several other areas, demanding immediate action to ensure supplies.
Farmers said spending entire days in queues had become routine, forcing them to neglect agricultural operations at a crucial stage of the season.
