Overview

• Naveen Patnaik wrote to Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister J.P. Nadda on August 29 requesting urgent urea supplies for the ongoing Kharif season.
• Farmers reported long lines and agitations in districts including Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur and Bargarh, with traffic disrupted on National Highway-326 near Mathili LAMPS.
• Odisha’s Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra denied any scarcity as the state cites 7.94 lakh tonnes in stock, a claim challenged by farmer accounts.
• Patnaik alleged black marketing, adulteration and diversion by MARKFED to private traders, while Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo warned of action against errant dealers.
• He also flagged the continued non-operation of the Talcher fertiliser plant, promised within 36 months of its 2018 foundation, as a longer-term supply risk.