Farmers say they have been struggling for over three months to get fertiliser. Many arrive at distribution centres at midnight and wait till morning, often returning empty-handed. Meanwhile, middlemen sell the same DAP bagspriced officially at ₹1,350—for ₹1,550 or more.
At the Krishi Upaj Mandi fertiliser centre, a farmer identified as Ankit Kansana was recorded pleading with a broker, known as “Pandit,” to sell him a bag at a fair price. “I beg you, Panditji, I’ve no money,” he said, but the broker refused to lower the price. The sting revealed that Pandit arranged sales over the phone with a “Seth,” bypassing official records.
Two private firms—Ratiram Trading Company and Rajesh Trading Company were also caught overcharging farmers. Collector Lokesh Kumar Jangid cancelled their licences and filed FIRs after videos of the illegal sales went viral. However, farmers allege that black market operations continue through agents posted outside official centres.
Serious irregularities have also been found at the Krishi Upaj Mandi godown, where the in-charge, Abhishek Sharma, allegedly let his minor son handle distribution while he collected payments through back channels.
Despite official data showing higher fertiliser distribution this year, farmers say the supply rarely reaches them. Many accuse local officials of shielding traders. “Warehouses are full, yet fields are empty,” a farmer said. The administration has ordered fresh inspections and stricter monitoring, but for now, Morena’s farmers continue their daily struggle for a basic agricultural input.
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