Massive Urea Shortage Hits Surat Farmers During Crucial Sowing Season

Surat, Gujarat — Despite a favourable monsoon this year across South Gujarat, farmers in Surat are staring at a crisis. As sowing begins on over 75,000 hectares of farmland, a massive shortage of urea threatens to derail the progress. According to data from local agricultural cooperatives, only 21,000 tons of urea have been made available to farmers — drastically lower than what is required for the season.

“This is not just a supply gap; this is negligence,” said Jayesh Delad (Patel), a prominent farmer leader in Surat district. “Every year, farmers in Surat get around 37,000 tons of urea between April and September. But this time, only 21,000 tons have come in — that too when the rains have been excellent, and sowing is in full swing.”

Surat farmers claim that the government has failed to plan for adequate urea distribution despite the known demands of the sowing season. Normally, cooperatives and societies in Surat district are well-stocked by this time, but now, long queues are forming outside supply centers, and desperate farmers are scrambling for even a few bags.

75,000 Hectares Sown, Only 21,000 Tons Supplied

Sowing is currently underway in nearly 75,000 hectares of farmland in Surat district, including major crops like paddy, cotton, and pulses. Based on agronomic calculations, experts estimate that the region requires at least 35,000 to 38,000 tons of urea to sustain crop growth at this stage. With only 21,000 tons distributed so far, the gap is critical and widening.

“If this situation is not resolved within the next 7–10 days, it could lead to significant crop damage,” warned agricultural expert Dr. Hiren Joshi. “Without timely nitrogen supplementation, yields will drop sharply.”

Representation Sent to Union Agriculture Minister

In a bid to avert a full-blown agrarian crisis, Jayesh Delad has sent a formal representation to the Union Agriculture Minister, urging for immediate intervention. In the letter, he has demanded that urgent steps be taken to dispatch additional urea consignments to Surat district within the next ten days.

He stated, “We have informed the central government that the situation is critical. Urea is essential at this stage of sowing, and if farmers don’t get it now, it will be too late. The government must act — or be held responsible for the failure of this season’s crops.”

Farmers Warn of Protests

If the supply situation does not improve soon, several farmer groups have warned of protests. “We do not want to come to the streets, but if the government continues this careless attitude, we’ll be forced to,” said Delad.

With the clock ticking and sowing windows closing, the farmers of Surat are anxiously hoping that the authorities act fast — before this fertilizer shortage turns into a full-fledged agricultural disaster.