Fertilizer Shortage Cripples Bengal Farmers Ahead of Crucial Potato Season

Bengal's Minister of Agriculture Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay claimed on Monday that thousands of cultivators were facing difficulties due to a mismatch between supply and demand, as the state was not receiving the fertilizers farmers needed in time for the rabi (winter) season.

"Ahead of the season, we have sent the Center the necessary 6.72 lakh tonnes of NPK (10:26:26), a fertilizer that contains potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. The minister stated at Nabanna on Monday, "But the Center has only delivered 70,500 tonnes of the fertiliser so far, leaving the farmers in real trouble."

For farmers, especially those who grow potatoes, having a supply of NPK (10:26:26) is crucial because this fertilizer fixes the phosphorus and potassium content of the soil and works especially well in leaching soil. Additionally, it maximizes plant vigor and enhances root growth. It enhances the quantity of tubers and fruits.

Potatoes in Bengal must be sown quickly after kharif paddy is harvested, so using NPK (10:26:26) is crucial for potato growth. Potato farming suffers from a lack of fertilizer, according to a senior government official.

In certain parts of the state, farmers were compelled to purchase fertilizer at a significantly higher cost due to the malpractices of certain dealers, according to the minister, as a result of a mismatch between supply and demand. But by taking action against the out-of-control dealers, the state government is attempting to maintain control over the situation.

"We have suspended six dealers for overpricing and showcaused more than 1,500 dealers throughout the state. In comparison to the state's needs, the Center has been sending less fertilizer for the past few years, according to Chattopadhyay.

The minister then presented data showing how, during the course of the previous few years since 2020, the Center denied the state access to adequate fertilizer.

"The state received 4.50 lakh tonnes of NPK (10:26:26) in 2020–21, whereas more than 6 lakh tonnes were required. The state received 2.40 lakh tonnes in 21–22, despite nearly equal demand. The state received 2.31 lakh tonnes in 2022–2023 but only 79,500 tonnes in 2023–2024,” the minister stated.

Since almost 14 lakh farmers in Hooghly, East Burdwan, Nadia Birbhum, and West Midnapore invest in potato cultivation, the ruling establishment in Bengal places a great deal of importance on the supply of fertilizer prior to potato cultivation. Any political party hoping to win seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections needs their votes.

Following the disastrous 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Trinamul Congress performed admirably in these districts during the 2021 Assembly elections.

This was due, according to a source, to the state's initiative to buy 10 lakh tonnes of potatoes in advance of the 2021 Assembly elections, which forced the farmers to turn to distressed sales due to overproduction.

The minister denied rumors that two potato farmers in Hooghly and East Burdwan had killed themselves after last week's unexpected rain damaged their crops.

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