TNR News Network
Shimla: Urea fertiliser allocated for farmers in Himachal Pradesh is allegedly being diverted and sold on the black market in neighbouring Punjab at nearly 50% higher prices, even as local farmers struggle to secure supplies during the crucial wheat season.
Una district has emerged as a major transit point in the illegal supply chain, sources said. Farmers across Himachal Pradesh complain of running from pillar to post, standing in long queues at fertiliser godowns, only to be told repeatedly that stocks have been exhausted.
In stark contrast, urea bags are allegedly being loaded into vehicles under the cover of darkness and transported to Punjab, where demand and prices are higher.
Stocks on paper, shortage on ground
This month alone, around 3,400 tonnes of urea were supplied to Himachal Pradesh for the wheat crop, of which 850 tonnes were earmarked for Una district. As per norms, sufficient stock should be available at all godowns. However, farmers claim they are routinely turned away on the pretext of non-availability.
Sources allege that dealers operating large private godowns in Una are lifting urea illegally and sending it to districts such as Hoshiarpur in Punjab, where it fetches higher returns. A 45-kg bag of urea, officially priced at around Rs 270, is allegedly picked up from godowns for nearly Rs 300 and later sold in Punjab for as much as Rs 400.
Why Punjab is paying more
According to sources, Punjab faces a relatively tighter supply of urea and other fertilisers due to restrictions imposed after decades of excessive chemical use damaged soil health. Despite higher prices, farmers there are willing to pay more to meet crop requirements. In addition, urea is also used in industries such as diesel emission control, plastics, resins, detergents and pharmaceuticals, further driving demand.
With limited availability in Punjab, illegal operators find Una a convenient source for quick profits, transporting fertiliser in pickup vans late at night or early morning to avoid checks.
Farmers demand action, inquiry underway
Several farmers recounted instances of being denied fertiliser, only to later see bags being loaded onto vehicles from the same godowns. “Local sale gives them less profit. Sending it to Punjab brings instant money,” said a farmer, demanding strict action.
Farmers have accused godown operators of releasing fertiliser in bulk to a single buyer, which is then diverted out of the state. They urged IFFCO and the state authorities to tighten monitoring, stressing that fertiliser supplied for Himachal farmers cannot legally be sold outside the state.
An IFFCO official said the matter had come to their notice. “This is completely illegal. If any such case is detected, strict action will be taken against those involved,” he said. The alleged racket has raised serious questions over monitoring of fertiliser distribution and enforcement, at a time when farmers in Himachal are struggling to protect their crops due to shortages.
