🚜 Sowing Begins on 75,000 Hectares, But Only 21,000 Tonnes of Urea Supplied

Surat, Gujarat – Even with excellent monsoon rains in South Gujarat this year, farmers in Surat are facing a severe shortage of urea fertilizer — just as peak sowing season begins. According to local cooperative reports, only 21,000 tonnes of urea have been distributed, though the actual demand is over 35,000–38,000 tonnes for the ongoing season.

⚠️ “Negligence, Not Just Shortage,” Say Farmer Leaders

Local farmer leader Jayesh Delad (Patel) has strongly criticized the supply situation.

“This is not a minor gap — this is poor planning by the authorities,” he said.

Farmers usually receive around 37,000 tonnes between April and September, but this year the supply is drastically below normal levels, even though weather conditions have been favorable for sowing.

🌱 Crops at Risk: Paddy, Cotton, and Pulses in Danger

Sowing is currently active across 75,000 hectares in Surat, mainly for crops like paddy, cotton, and pulses. Experts warn that timely nitrogen (urea) application is critical at this stage.

“If this shortage continues for another 7–10 days, the yield loss could be severe,”
warned Dr. Hiren Joshi, an agriculture expert.

🧑‍🌾 Farmers Stand in Long Queues, Some Return Empty-Handed

Across Surat, long lines are forming outside fertilizer centers, with many farmers unable to get even one bag of urea. Cooperative societies that are usually well-stocked are now reporting record demand and empty shelves.

📩 Urgent Appeal Sent to Union Agriculture Ministry

In a formal step, Jayesh Delad has submitted a written appeal to the Union Agriculture Minister, demanding that:

• Additional urea consignments be dispatched immediately

• Supply be normalized within the next 10 days

• Accountability be fixed for the shortfall

“If action isn’t taken now, the government must answer for massive crop losses,” he added.

🔥 Farmers Warn of Protests If Situation Doesn’t Improve

Tension is growing. Several farmer groups have warned of state-wide protests if the supply chain is not fixed soon.

“We don’t want to protest, but if this continues, we’ll be forced to take to the streets,”
Delad warned.

⏳ Time Running Out: Authorities Must Act Fast

As the sowing window closes quickly, farmers across Surat are hoping for urgent action from state and central agencies. Without it, what began as a good monsoon season could turn into a crop disaster due to fertilizer mismanagement.