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Telangana’s Urea Shortage Crisis 2025: Farmer Struggles, Political Blame, and Industrial Diversion

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Telangana’s Urea Shortage Crisis: Farmers Left Struggling Amid Political Blame Game
Farmers in Telangana are currently facing a severe urea shortage during the critical Kharif cropping season, sparking widespread protests, long queues, and distress across the state. This shortage has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by both supply shortfalls and the illegal diversion of subsidized urea to industries.

The Crisis on the Ground
Across Telangana, farmers have been queuing for hours at Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society centers only to be met with “No Stock” signs after long waits. Some districts like Mahabubabad have witnessed desperate scenes, such as a paralyzed farmer collapsing and sustaining injuries while waiting for fertilizer. Tenant farmers, tribals, and those without proper identification documents are the worst affected.

With sowing areas increasing dramatically—paddy cultivation alone jumped from approximately 31.6 lakh acres to over 54 lakh acres—the demand for urea has surged. However, Telangana received only about 5.42 lakh metric tonnes of urea by mid-August, against a need for over 8.3 lakh metric tonnes for this period, highlighting a significant supply deficit.

Political Blame and Accusations
The shortage has led to a political blame game between state and central governments. Telangana Agriculture Minister attributes the issue to inadequate supply and alleged political discrimination by the Centre. On the other hand, Union ministers accuse the Telangana government of failing to check illegal sales and hoarding.

The Telangana BJP alleged that the state government mismanaged distribution, creating artificial scarcity despite the Centre supplying more urea than required in the last season.

Industrial Diversion Compounds the Problem
Adding to the crisis, significant quantities of subsidized agricultural urea are reportedly being diverted illegally for industrial uses—such as producing diesel exhaust fluid and pharmaceutical products—where the profit margins are higher. This black market activity, especially rampant in certain districts, further shrinks fertilizer availability to genuine farmers.

The Human Cost and Farmer Unrest
The shortage has forced many farmers to buy urea at inflated black-market prices, putting additional financial strain on them. Protests, road blockades, and dharnas have erupted in multiple districts. Farmers share stories of frustration, stating that they spend more time waiting in lines for fertilizers than tending their crops.

Potential Relief and Challenges Ahead
China has recently eased restrictions on urea exports to India, possibly easing supply constraints in the near term. Yet, immediate challenges remain as farmers are at the peak stage of applying fertilizers essential for good yields. Efficient and equitable distribution will be critical to avoiding a wider agrarian crisis.

Telangana’s urea shortage crisis reflects complex supply chain failures complicated by political rifts and illicit diversions. Ensuring that fertilizer subsidies reach the intended farmers during vital cropping seasons is essential for safeguarding livelihoods and food security in the region.

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