Mahabubabad: Farmers fall at feet of official to plead for bag of urea

Farmers in Mahabubabad faced severe hardship due to non-availability of urea, with distress scenes reported at Narasimulupeta Rythu Vedika. Several farmers returned empty-handed after long waits, warning of crop damage if fertiliser supplies are not restored soon

Mahabubabad: Farmers continued to face acute hardship in the current season, with distress scenes unfolding at the Rythu Vedika in Narasimulupeta on Saturday over the non-availability of urea. In a shocking incident, a farmer fell at the feet of agriculture officials and pleaded for fertiliser, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

Guguloth Raju, a farmer from Bastharam Thanda, is cultivating maize on four acres. After running from pillar to post for nearly 15 days, he managed to procure just two bags of urea from a private dealer. As the quantity was insufficient for his crop, Raju went to the Rythu Vedika in Narasimulupeta seeking additional supply. He approached Agriculture Officer Vinay Kumar and pleaded for more bags.

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When his request was turned down, Raju fell at the officer’s feet and begged him to sanction urea, eyewitnesses said. Farmers said the situation mirrored the fertiliser shortage witnessed during the Vanakalam season and warned that crops could suffer serious damage if supplies were not restored immediately. Several farmers gathered at the Rythu Vedika and urged officials to release adequate stocks. Another farmer, Bhukya Surya, also appealed to the Agriculture Officer for at least one bag of urea.

As the official was preparing to leave without acceding to the request, Surya sat in front of his motorcycle in protest and pleaded for fertiliser. Despite repeated appeals, many farmers returned empty-handed from the Narasimulupeta Rythu Vedika due to limited availability.

In neighbouring villages such as Peddanagaram and Jayapuram, farmers braved the cold and assembled in large numbers at Rythu Vedikas from early morning. Some placed their footwear in queues to reserve their place. Even after waiting from 5 am, several farmers were forced to return without fertiliser, reports said.