Balasore, Aug 18: A major alleged fertiliser scam has surfaced in Nilagiri of Balasore district, where samples of DAP and potash fertiliser distributed to farmers have reportedly been found to be fake, raising serious questions over the supply and distribution system.

The development came after more than 30 farmers from Machhua and Begunia panchayats complained that the fertiliser supplied to them did not appear to be genuine. The farmers reportedly raised the issue after opening the fertiliser bags and suspecting that the contents were not genuine.

Following the complaints, the matter came under scrutiny at the official level. Samples of the fertiliser were collected by the Agriculture Department in the presence of a magistrate following directions from the district administration and were sent to a laboratory for testing.

The laboratory report has now reportedly confirmed that the DAP and potash samples were fake, giving substance to the farmers’ allegations.

How Did the Alleged Fake Fertiliser Reach Farmers?​​​​​​​

According to the allegations, the fertiliser had been supplied through a local Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) after requirements were prepared through AMBKC and Prani Mitra workers.

Farmers from the affected panchayats had received DAP and potash through the system, believing the fertiliser supplied through the official channel to be genuine.

The issue came to light when farmers opened the bags and raised concerns over the quality of the fertiliser.

Farmers Alleged Attempts to Suppress the Matter

The farmers alleged that efforts were initially made to contain the matter rather than immediately pursue a detailed investigation. They claimed they were asked to return the fertiliser and collect their money instead.

Unhappy with the response, the farmers took the matter before the administration. Under the supervision of BJP Kisan Morcha president Tapas Mahanty, they reportedly carried the fertiliser bags to the district administration’s public grievance hearing and brought the issue to the authorities’ attention.

A written complaint was also submitted before the Superintendent of Police, seeking a high-level investigation into the alleged supply of fertiliser without proper identification and documentation.

Following the allegations, the ADM directed the Sub-Collector to investigate the matter.

The department has also come under scrutiny over how the fertiliser was procured, transported and distributed, and whether all mandatory documents and identification requirements were followed.

FPO official Sasmiprava Rout reportedly stated that she was new to the position and claimed she was unaware of the alleged fake fertiliser issue.

A Serious Concern for Farmers

Nilagiri has a large tribal population, and many farmers depend on government-supported agricultural inputs for paddy cultivation. For such farmers, the authenticity of fertiliser is crucial because poor-quality or counterfeit products can affect crop growth and cause financial losses.

The laboratory finding that the DAP and potash samples were fake has therefore intensified demands for accountability.

The immediate questions now are: Who supplied the alleged fake fertiliser, how did it enter the official distribution chain, and who approved its distribution to farmers?

As the investigation progresses, farmers are seeking strict action against anyone found responsible and stronger checks to ensure that such incidents do not recur.