Chandigarh :
The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) on Saturday alleged large-scale irregularities in the distribution of subsidised urea in Punjab, accusing some officials of Markfed and Milkfed of diverting fertiliser meant for farmers to private industries.
Addressing a press conference at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh, BKU leaders claimed that farmers are not receiving subsidised urea priced at ₹266 per bag, while the same fertiliser is allegedly being supplied to private industries at prices ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per bag. They alleged that such diversion could not take place without the involvement of officials and said a complaint has already been submitted to the Chief Minister.
The farmer leaders demanded an impartial inquiry into the functioning of Markfed and Milkfed and sought strict action against those found responsible. They warned that if adequate urea is not made available to farmers, the BKU will launch a statewide agitation across Punjab.
The press conference was addressed by BKU leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, former Mohali Verka Chairman Parvinder Singh, former Markfed Director Sukhwinder Singh, Gurvinder Singh and Paramjit Singh Baidwan.
The leaders also alleged that increased supply of urea to private industries has boosted industrial production while reducing fertiliser availability for farmers, affecting agricultural operations. They further claimed that Milkfed is being pushed towards financial losses and criticised the government for failing to act against officials in earlier cases of alleged irregularities.
Highlighting rising cultivation costs due to power cuts and increasing diesel prices, the BKU said the shortage of subsidised urea has further aggravated the difficulties faced by farmers.
