Tensions flared at the fertilizer distribution center in Dausa district headquarters after local farmers staged a massive protest against unfair sales practices and the supply of outdated agricultural inputs. Farmers arriving at the center to secure essential DAP fertilizer alleged that distribution staff refused to issue DAP independently, making the purchase of Nano Urea bottles strictly mandatory. The situation escalated dramatically when farmers discovered that the Nano Urea bottles pushed onto them were already past their expiration dates, alongside allegations that exorbitant additional amounts were being extracted from them on the spot.
Mandatory Bundling of Nano Urea With DAP Sparks Outrage
According to the cultivators gathered at the district headquarters, they had reached the depot specifically to buy DAP fertilizer tailored to their current seasonal crop requirements. However, personnel and officials managing the distribution counter insisted that farmers could not purchase DAP alone and had to take Nano Urea bottles as part of a compulsory package. Farmers strongly objected to this forced tie-in, demanding that they be provided only the DAP supplies they genuinely needed. When distribution workers ignored their requests, heated arguments broke out, drawing large crowds of agitated farmers to the counters.
Allegations of Extra Charges Reaching Up to 600 Rupees
Farmers raised serious allegations regarding overcharging, stating that they were forced to shell out up to approximately 600 rupees in additional money under the pretext of Nano Urea. The protesting growers emphasized that compelling them to buy an unneeded chemical product while simultaneously charging extra fees placed an unjust financial burden on struggling farming households. As word of this mandatory surcharge spread, more farmers joined the demonstration, quickly swelling the crowd at the distribution point and bringing operations to an abrupt standstill.
Bottles Showed 2023 Packaging and 2025 Expiry
Amid the growing commotion, farmers closely inspected the product containers handed to them, uncovering an even more alarming detail on the printed labels. The bottles listed a packaging date from 2023, while their designated shelf life had already lapsed in 2025. Protesters condemned the distribution center for dispensing expired chemical formulations, pointing out that using degraded inputs could jeopardize crop health during a critical cultivation period. The revelation that outdated stock was being cleared out at their expense intensified the fury among the gathering.
Distribution Halted as Protesters Demand Full Investigation
Confronted with relentless protests and deteriorating ground conditions, officials halted the distribution of Nano Urea bottles immediately. As the situation grew increasingly unmanageable, the general distribution of DAP fertilizer was also suspended entirely, leaving scores of farmers stranded and empty-handed. The cultivators pointed out that fertilizer shortages were already creating immense hardship during the ongoing sowing season, and saddling them with invalid products and unauthorized charges compounded their distress. Demanding immediate accountability, the farmers called for a thorough official probe into the irregularities, strict disciplinary action against those responsible, and the immediate release of verified, quality-tested fertilizer.
