Subsidised fertiliser sales halted across Madhya Pradesh, farmers fear supply crisis

Madhya Pradesh has halted the sale of subsidised fertilisers across the state, causing concern among farmers who are worried about a potential supply crisis. The decision was made two weeks after a farmers' protest over fertiliser distribution and procurement led the government to suspend its e-token system for moong bean procurement.

Officials have ordered a statewide stock reconciliation exercise to ensure that the quantity of fertilisers recorded in the government's digital system matches the actual physical stocks held by dealers and distribution agencies. The government has not specified the expected duration of the closure or how long the verification process will take.

The measure comes amid the ongoing agricultural calendar, as Kharif sowing has already taken place in the state and farmers need fertilisers at various stages of crop growth. The decision follows protests by nearly 2,000 farmers demanding full procurement of their summer moong crop at the Minimum Support Price. The government temporarily suspended the e-token system pending a review by a committee headed by the Agriculture Production Commissioner.

Critics argue that this move could leave farmers who have already exhausted their stocks vulnerable to crop losses. The Congress party has threatened a farmers' agitation if the fertiliser stocks are not issued promptly.