Naidu Warns Against Fertilizer Black Marketing

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to take stringent steps against diversion of urea and other fertilizers for non-agricultural purposes. Cases should be booked against those involved in the black marketing or illegal stock movement.

The Chief Minister held a teleconference on Sunday with the chief secretary, DGP and officials of the agriculture and Vigilance departments to review fertilizer availability and distribution across districts.

Naidu sought detailed reports on district-wise stock positions and asked the vigilance to intensify inspections. He also ordered regular checks of urea and fertilizer stocks to plug loopholes.

Expressing concern over the exploitation of farmers, the CM directed that stern action be taken against those selling fertilizers at inflated prices. He stressed that the interests of the farming community should remain the top priority.

Calling for constant coordination, the CM directed state, district, and local officials — including those from the police, vigilance, transport, and agriculture departments — to work together through daily monitoring teams. In case of any issues, officials were instructed to consult local public representatives.

CM Chandrababu expressed concern that real-time updates were not being provided on the IMFS portal and ordered immediate rectification. He also directed that PACS and cooperative societies be stocked adequately so that farmers would not have to wait at retail outlets.

The officials explained the volume of fertilizer being supplied through MARKFED. He suggested reducing allocations to private dealers and ensuring that larger quantities are distributed via MARKFED to enhance transparency and curb malpractice.

Reiterating his stand, Naidu stressed that farmers should not face any difficulty in obtaining urea during the crucial crop season. “Fertilizer supplies must not be diverted from the intended purpose,” he told the officials, directing them to enforce strong checks and maintain an uninterrupted supply.

Agriculture minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu asked the officials to take swift action and resolve problems in the distribution system, ensuring that no false message reached farmers about urea supply or availability.

“Farmers should avoid advance purchases or stockpiling for the Rabi season. Urea should be bought only for immediate crop needs. MARKFED-to-private dealer distribution ratio should be adjusted from 50:50 to 70:30,” he said.

Minister Atchannaidu said vigilance must be strengthened to prevent diversion of urea to non-agricultural industries, with joint inspection teams (police, revenue, industries) conducting field checks. Urea should be promptly delivered from MARKFED buffer allocations to rural Rythu Seva Kendras with transport costs covered by government proposals, he said.