Balasore, Sept. 19 (UDN): Farmers in Khaira block of Odisha’s Balasore district have raised allegations of substandard fertiliser being supplied through the Bartana Service Cooperative Society, prompting demands for an inquiry and action against those responsible.
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The issue came to light after farmers reportedly noticed that their crops were not showing the expected improvement despite applying the fertiliser purchased through the cooperative society.
Following the complaints, a sample of the fertiliser was reportedly sent for laboratory analysis. According to the farmers, the test report found that the fertiliser did not conform to the prescribed quality standards.
Farmers Raise Quality, Pricing Concerns
Farmers from the Soro area alleged that they had purchased the fertiliser from the cooperative society believing it to be of standard quality.
They have also raised questions over the price charged for the product. While the bags reportedly carried a printed price of Rs 1,350, farmers alleged that they were charged Rs 1,400 per bag.
Farmer Pradeep Kumar, who lodged a complaint, alleged that the matter was brought to the attention of the society secretary on August 28. He claimed that the purchase was initially disputed but was subsequently confirmed.
According to Kumar, the fertiliser sample was then sent for testing and the laboratory report allegedly indicated that it was substandard.
The affected farmers have demanded that the authorities identify those responsible, refund the additional amount allegedly collected from them and provide compensation for any crop losses caused by the use of the fertiliser.
Cooperative Society Responds
Akshay Kumar Rout, secretary of Bartana Service Cooperative Society, said the society had distributed the fertiliser bags it received from its supplier.
He said that if the product is officially found to be substandard, the society would coordinate with the concerned authorities and take necessary steps.
Rout also said the complaint was received around August 27 but claimed that the society had not yet received the laboratory report.
Farmers Seek Government Intervention
With the quality of the fertiliser now under question, farmers have urged the agriculture and cooperative authorities to conduct a detailed inquiry into the procurement and distribution process.
They have also sought immediate replacement with quality fertiliser, refund of the alleged excess amount collected and appropriate relief for farmers who claim their crops were affected.
The allegations and the laboratory findings are expected to be examined by the concerned authorities before responsibility is fixed.
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