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**Summary:**

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Union Minister J.P. Nadda, urging him to address the critical shortage of urea fertilizer in Odisha during the current Kharif season. Patnaik highlights the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and expresses concern that the shortage, compounded by black marketing and adulteration, is causing significant hardship for farmers and potentially disrupting agricultural production. He criticizes the state government’s handling of fertilizer distribution, alleging corruption and mismanagement, and also raises concerns about the delay in the Talcher fertilizer plant project. He demands immediate action against illegal activities and those responsible.

**News Article:**

**Odisha Farmers Face Urea Shortage, Ex-CM Patnaik Urges Union Minister’s Intervention**

**BHUBANESWAR, August 31, 2025** – Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has called on Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers J.P. Nadda to urgently address the severe shortage of urea fertilizer plaguing Odisha’s agricultural sector during the crucial Kharif season.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Mr. Patnaik emphasized the critical role of agriculture in the state’s economy, supporting over 70% of the population. He highlighted Odisha’s transformation into a major rice producer, attributing it to technology adoption and adequate input supply, with fertilizer being a key component.

“The farmers of Odisha are now facing a major problem in obtaining urea during this ongoing Kharif season,” Mr. Patnaik wrote, pointing to reports of black marketing and adulteration exacerbating the shortage. He warned that these issues are already sparking farmer protests in several districts, particularly tribal regions.

Mr. Patnaik further criticized the current state government’s handling of fertilizer distribution, alleging corruption and mismanagement within the system. He stated, “MARKFED, the government’s designated distribution agency, is supplying subsidized fertilisers to private traders instead of farmers. Despite lower fertiliser use in Odisha, supply chain mismanagement and corruption have pushed our farmers to the edge.”

The former Chief Minister also expressed concern over the stalled Talcher fertilizer plant project, whose foundation stone was laid in 2018 with a promised completion timeline of 36 months. He said, “It was promised to be made functional in 36 months, but seven years later, it still remains non-operational.”

Mr. Patnaik urged Minister Nadda to take immediate action, demanding a crackdown on black marketing and holding accountable those involved in corrupt practices within cooperative societies and fertilizer distribution networks. He stressed that timely intervention is crucial to prevent significant disruptions to agricultural activities and safeguard the livelihoods of Odisha’s farmers.

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