MP Farmers Face Lathi-Charge Despite Fertiliser Surplus, Says Congress

In a scathing attack on the Madhya Pradesh government, Congress Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar has accused the Mohan Yadav-led administration of failing farmers by allowing police lathi-charges on those queuing for fertilisers, despite the state boasting a surplus stock. Speaking at a press conference in Bhopal on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Singhar highlighted incidents of police brutality against farmers in Rewa and Bhind, alleging that the government’s mismanagement has fueled black-marketing and left farmers in distress.

Singhar pointed to specific instances of police action, including a lathi-charge on September 2 at Karahiya Mandi in Rewa and another on September 8 at Vrahatkar Sahakari Sanstha in Bhind, where farmers waiting to purchase fertilisers were allegedly beaten. He accused the state government of turning a blind eye to black-marketeers, who are exploiting the crisis for profit, despite the state having ample powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985, to curb such practices.

Citing data from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Singhar revealed that Madhya Pradesh holds a surplus of 16.25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of urea and 7.11 LMT of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) over the past three years, as confirmed in a Lok Sabha reply on July 25, 2025. DAP, a critical fertiliser providing nitrogen and phosphorus, is in high demand, yet farmers are struggling to access it. Singhar argued that the issue stems not from a shortage but from the government’s failure in distribution and planning, leaving farmers vulnerable during critical kharif and rabi seasons.

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“Agriculture accounts for over 45% of Madhya Pradesh’s economy, and the state ranks second in the country for fertiliser demand. Yet, farmers are being beaten with lathis instead of receiving the fertilisers they need,” Singhar said, warning that farmers would “settle scores through their votes” in response to the government’s failures. He criticized the state’s inability to conduct scientific demand estimations and coordinate between key departments like Farmers Welfare, Agricultural Development, Cooperation, and the MP Agro Industries Development Corporation.

Singhar also took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, noting that despite an annual state budget exceeding Rs 1.50 lakh crore and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers being under BJP president J.P. Nadda, the government has failed to ensure fertiliser availability. “This is the biggest failure of the Mohan Yadav government,” he declared, accusing the administration of neglecting the needs of farmers who form the backbone of Madhya Pradesh’s economy.

The Congress leader called for urgent reforms in fertiliser distribution and stricter action against black-marketing to prevent further distress among farmers. As the state gears up for upcoming agricultural seasons, the spotlight remains on the government to address these systemic failures and restore confidence among its farming community.

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