‘I beg you, Panditji, I’ve no money’:Farmer pleads for fair price of fertiliser at Morena distribution centre; hidden camera exposes black marketing network

In Morena district, farmers are facing a serious fertiliser crisis. They spend entire nights and days queuing outside distribution centres to get just two bags of fertiliser. Those who fail to get it must return the next day. Meanwhile, black marketing is thriving. Middlemen and traders are selling fertiliser at inflated prices with the alleged help of officials. Despite government inspections and FIRs, the situation remains unchanged. Long queues, empty hands Farmers, the food providers of the country, have been struggling for fertiliser for the past three months. They reach distribution centres at night and stand in line until morning.Only a few are lucky enough to get two bags of fertiliser. Others must try again the next day. Despite the shortage, fertiliser is easily available in the black market. Farmers claim that middlemen are operating openly at distribution centres, selling DAP fertiliser at higher rates in collusion with officials. Middlemen selling DAP at higher prices A bag of DAP fertiliser that should cost Rs 1,350 is being sold for Rs 1,550 by middlemen.Two retail firms were also caught selling DAP and urea at higher rates. The Collector cancelled their licences and filed FIRs after a video of the illegal sale went viral. Farmers allege that despite these actions, black marketing has not stopped. They demand that the government ensure timely supply and strict action against those involved. Case 1: Broker caught on camera At Morena’s main fertiliser distribution centre in Krishi Upaj Mandi, a young farmer named Ankit Kansana was waiting in a long queue. A broker named Pandit approached him and offered fertiliser without documents or fingerprints — but at a higher price. Pandit demanded Rs 1,550 per bag of DAP. When Ankit pleaded for a lower rate of Rs 1,500, Pandit refused, saying, “No one gives it for less. It’s not profitable.” The conversation between Pandit and the farmer revealed how openly black marketing is being carried out. He even spoke to a person he called “Seth” on the phone to arrange the deal. In the end, Ankit had to pay Rs 1,550 per bag, showing how helpless farmers are in such situations. Case 2: Retailers overcharging farmers Two private retailers, Ratiram Trading Company and Rajesh Trading Company, were found selling fertiliser above the fixed price.They were selling DAP for Rs 1,650 instead of Rs 1,350, and urea for Rs 340 instead of Rs 270. In a recorded conversation, when farmer Nitesh Sharma questioned the shopkeepers, they simply replied, “These are our rates here.”Even TSP fertiliser, which costs Rs 1,300, was being sold for Rs 1,400. Collector’s Action: FIRs and licence cancellation Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid took immediate action after seeing the videos. FIRs were filed against both retailers, and their licences were cancelled. However, to avoid strict monitoring, retailers activated their agents outside fertiliser centres. These touts targeted farmers who travelled from distant villages or could not wait in long queues. The agents supplied fertiliser at inflated rates — Rs 1,550 for a DAP bag worth Rs 1,350 — and often in large quantities. Irregularities at Krishi Upaj Mandi centre Another major irregularity was found at the Krishi Upaj Mandi fertiliser godown.The in-charge, Abhishek Sharma, had left the management of the centre to his minor son, while he himself was allegedly collecting money through black marketing. Farmers complained that brokers were most active at this centre.Even though Abhishek Sharma had been transferred earlier due to irregularities, his transfer was cancelled the same day, and he continued as in-charge. A video showing his son working at the centre surfaced online. After it went viral, a clarification was issued saying the staff was away on personal work and the boy was temporarily helping. Farmers’ pain and anger Across Morena, farmers are angry and exhausted. They stand in queues from morning till evening, often without food or water, hoping to get fertiliser.Some get it, most don’t. The next day, the struggle begins again. Despite warehouses being full, fertiliser is not reaching farmers. On the other hand, those willing to pay extra to middlemen get as many bags as they want. Farmers accuse officials of turning a blind eye and demand strict government intervention. Collector’s inspection and directives Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid recently inspected several fertiliser centres.He banned manual slips and directed that only machine-generated slips be issued.He also ordered FIRs against black-marketing retailers and cancelled their licences. Still, farmers say that the black market continues due to the involvement of lower-level officials. Fertiliser uptake higher than last year According to official data, fertiliser distribution in Morena has actually increased this year compared to the last: Timeline of the fertiliser crisis