Odisha government has ordered all Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) to renew their fertiliser licences, warning that failure to comply will result in debarment from next year’s paddy procurement, media reports say.
The move follows widespread mismanagement in fertiliser distribution during the kharif season, causing farmer protests despite claimed adequate stock. PACS must prioritize fertiliser as their core activity.
Deputy Registrars have been tasked to pre-position at least 50% of fertiliser stock by April annually, ensuring readiness for monsoon operations.
Districts like Ganjam, Cuttack, Balasore, Angul, and Nayagarh face severe shortages, prompting directives to MARKFED and the Agriculture Department