Kailashahar, October 28: More than 200 farmers blocked the Kailashahar–Fatikroy road in the Dolugaon area on Tuesday, protesting the alleged refusal of the Agriculture Department’s local seed store to distribute subsidised fertilisers.
Farmers from Jagannathpur, Bilashpur, Pechardahar, Telia and Balehar villages had gathered at the Dolugaon agricultural seed store to collect fertilisers. However, the storekeeper allegedly told them that fertilisers were unavailable and later cited online application requirements and land ownership as conditions for distribution.
The farmers alleged that fertiliser stocks were available inside the store despite the refusal to distribute them. Enraged by the situation, they locked the office with the storekeeper inside and launched a road blockade, disrupting traffic in the area.
Following the blockade, the Agriculture Department’s superintendent arrived at the spot and held discussions with the protesting farmers. The agitation was withdrawn after the official assured them that fertilisers would be distributed. Subsequently, each farmer was reportedly provided with 50 kg of fertiliser.
The farmers also accused the storekeeper of withholding agricultural supplies meant for distribution over the past year. Some alleged that the refusal to distribute fertilisers raised suspicions of possible diversion to traders for sale in the open market. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
Neither the storekeeper nor any Agriculture Department official commented on the allegations. It remains unclear whether the department will initiate an inquiry into the incident.
