Farmers protest outside Agriculture Department office in Karnal over urea shortage

Frustrated over the ongoing shortage and alleged black marketing of urea, scores of farmers under the banner of BKU on Tuesday protested in the city. They even staged a dharna and blocked road outside the office of the Agriculture Department near Mahatma Gandhi Chowk. Meanwhile, commuters had to face a lot of difficulties due to the blockade. The situation remained the same for nearly 20 minutes. However, after the assurance of the Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA) and Civil Lines SHO Shri Bhagwan, the protesting farmers lifted the blockade.

Holding banners and raising slogans, the farmers accused the authorities of failing to ensure adequate urea supply. They alleged that even with cash in hand, they were unable to purchase fertiliser. They were forced to wait in long queues for hours—often returning empty-handed.

Farmer leader Mehtab Kadyan, speaking during the protest, said, “We are being forced to buy unnecessary chemicals along with urea. Our only demand is that the urea should be made available. Blocking the road is not our intention—it is our compulsion. When we do not get urea even after standing in long lines for hours, we are left with no option but to protest.”

Another protesting farmer, Ram said, “Even after looking for urea in multiple shops, we are able to get just one bag of urea. The government should ensure the availability of bags before the season.” DDA Dr Wazir Singh said the district had sufficient supply of urea. “Farmers have been assured that they will be provided with required urea with the arrival of stock which is expected to come in a couple of days. The farmers have been assured that they will not suffer due to urea,” he said.