Patna: Farmers across Bihar say black marketing of urea fertiliser during the rabi sowing season is driving up costs and threatening crops, despite government claims that supplies are adequate.
Urea, which has a maximum retail price of Rs 266 per 45kg bag, is being sold for as much as Rs 400 in several districts, farmers allege. Licensed dealers are accused of openly charging inflated prices and, in some cases, forcing buyers to purchase nano urea or other fertilisers alongside standard urea as part of a “package”.
The fertiliser is crucial at this stage for rabi crops such as wheat, chickpea, lentil and mustard. Farmers say they are left with little choice but to pay extra. “If we refuse, we are sent away empty-handed,” said a farmer waiting in a queue outside a primary agricultural credit society (PACS) centre.
Long lines have been reported at block headquarters and PACS outlets from early morning, particularly in Rohtas and Kaimur districts, often described as Bihar’s rice bowl. Similar complaints have emerged from other parts of the state.
Farmers allege that authorised dealers are justifying higher prices by citing increased transport and handling costs. Others say urea is being sold only if they agree to buy additional fertilisers such as DAP, further increasing expenses.
Rising input costs are adding to pressure on farmers already facing higher prices for seeds and labour. “The cost of cultivation is going up rapidly,” said a smallholder farmer in Kaimur. “This will directly affect our income, and small and marginal farmers are suffering the most.”
The state agriculture department maintains that there is no shortage of urea. Officials say supplies are being received regularly from the central government and distributed to districts according to demand. However, farmers say the situation on the ground does not reflect these assurances.
While district administrations have reported raids on dealers and the imposition of fines, farmers argue that enforcement is largely cosmetic. They say vendors involved in large-scale black marketing continue to operate without fear, and have demanded the cancellation of licences and stricter legal action.
Responding to the allegations, the agriculture minister, Ram Kripal Yadav, said a state-level flying squad had been set up to curb black marketing. He said more than 150 first information reports had been registered and a three-tier monitoring system put in place. “Farmers are the government’s top priority,” he said.
