Morena Farmers Allege Fertilizer Seller Charged Rs 30 Extra Per Bag

Farmers in Sumavali town of Morena district are facing allegations of being charged more than the prescribed price for fertilizer. A fertilizer seller has been accused of collecting an additional Rs 30 on every bag of urea and DAP. A farmer recorded the alleged collection on a mobile phone, and the video has now come to light.

Following the video and the complaint, Morena Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid said that the matter would be investigated and action would be taken if any irregularity was found.

The allegation concerns the society operating in Sumavali town and Nemi Chand Sagun Chand Jain Traders. Farmers have alleged that they were asked to pay Rs 30 more than the prescribed price for every bag of urea and DAP. According to the farmer, the additional amount was demanded while the fertilizer was being purchased. The farmer recorded the interaction on a mobile phone.

The video recording has become the basis of the complaint. The allegation is that farmers are being made to pay more than the fixed price at a time when they are already struggling to obtain fertilizer. Farmers have said that the demand for the additional money comes when they need fertilizer and have limited options.

According to the farmers, they are being forced to pay more than the prescribed price because of their need for fertilizer. They have said that if the allegation of collecting Rs 30 extra on every bag is found to be true, it would amount to economic exploitation of farmers.

The farmers’ problems are not limited to the alleged additional charge on fertilizer. They are also facing difficulties with the online slip required to obtain fertilizer. Farmers said that the server often remains down and that their e-slips are not issued. Because of this, they sometimes have to wait for several days before they can receive fertilizer.

According to the farmers, in several cases, the slip is issued only after 8 to 10 days. Only after the online slip is issued do they get the fertilizer. Farmers said that the delay has added to their difficulties during a period when they require fertilizer.

They have also alleged that an additional Rs 50 is being charged separately for the online slip. As a result, if Rs 30 is collected on every bag and another Rs 50 is added in the name of the online process, the total cost of fertilizer rises further. Farmers said that they are therefore having to spend more than the prescribed amount, making the fertilizer more expensive for them.

Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid said that an inquiry would be ordered on the basis of the farmer’s complaint and the video. He said that action would be ensured against the concerned institution if the investigation found any irregularity.

The Collector said that clear instructions have been issued to farmers to buy fertilizer from government institutions or private sellers. However, he said that no one can collect an amount higher than the prescribed price under any circumstances. He described such collection as unethical and said that action would be taken after the inquiry into the concerned institution.