The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has leveled serious allegations against Markfed and Milkfed—cooperative societies under the Punjab government—regarding the alleged shortage of urea for farmers and irregularities within these institutions. During a press conference held at Kisan Bhawan in Chandigarh on Friday, farmer leaders stated that subsidized urea, which should be available to farmers for ₹266, is not reaching them; instead, the benefit is being diverted to private industries.
They alleged that urea is being sold to private companies at rates ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per bag. According to the farmer leaders, this could not happen without the collusion of officials from the concerned departments. The Chief Minister has also been apprised of the matter and urged to take action. Addressing the press conference, BKU leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, former Mohali Verka Chairman Parvinder Singh, former Markfed Director Sukhvinder Singh, Gurvinder Singh, and Paramjit Singh Baidwan stated that certain officials in the Cooperative Department are prioritizing the interests of private industries over those of the farmers.
**Demand for an impartial inquiry**
They demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged collusion within Markfed and Milkfed and called for strict action against the guilty officials. The farmer leaders allege that urea is being sold to private industries at exorbitant prices. Consequently, the supply of products from private industries has increased by approximately 20 percent, while government distribution is steadily declining; farmers are unable to obtain fertilizer on time.
They argued that the government is failing to take action even in past cases, leading to a continuous erosion of public trust in cooperative institutions. They further alleged that Milkfed is being pushed towards financial loss, yet no action has been taken against the officials responsible for this situation.
**Concern expressed over rising costs**
The leaders noted that power outages and rising diesel prices in the state have already driven up the cost of farming. At a time like this, the shortage of urea is proving to be a double blow for farmers. They questioned why subsidized fertilizer meant for farmers is being diverted to private industries.
Warning the government, farmer leaders stated that a state-wide agitation would be launched if prompt action is not taken against the officials responsible and if adequate urea is not made available to the farmers.
