Bhadoti, Sawai Madhopur. The agricultural community in the Bhadoti region of Sawai Madhopur is currently grappling with a severe crisis as allegations of fertilizer hoarding and illegal profiteering have surfaced. A distressed farmer recently approached the office of the Joint Director of Agriculture, Lakhpat Meena, to submit a formal written complaint against a local fertilizer dealer, accusing the establishment of exploiting the urgent needs of cultivators during the peak sowing season.
According to the complaint, the dealer routinely informs farmers during daylight hours that fertilizer stocks are exhausted, forcing those waiting in long queues to return home empty-handed. However, the complainant alleges that this is a deliberate tactic to create artificial scarcity. The farmer claims that the same stock, which is denied during the day, is being sold under the cover of darkness at significantly inflated prices to those willing to pay the premium.
The victim specifically reported being forced to purchase a bag of fertilizer for ₹1,500, a price substantially higher than the government-mandated rates for essential inputs like DAP. With the sowing of mustard and other rabi crops currently underway, the demand for fertilizers has reached a critical peak. Many farmers fear that missing the optimal sowing window will lead to significant yield losses, a vulnerability that unscrupulous traders appear to be exploiting through illegal hoarding.
In response to these serious allegations, Joint Director Lakhpat Meena has initiated a formal inquiry, tasking local agricultural inspectors with verifying the claims. Departmental officials have indicated that if the investigation confirms the dealer is withholding stock and engaging in price gouging, strict punitive measures will follow. Potential consequences include the immediate suspension of the dealer's operating license and the filing of a criminal case under the Essential Commodities Act.
The Agriculture Department has urged other farmers in the region to remain vigilant and report any instances of overcharging or suspicious sales practices. Authorities have encouraged the public to utilize official channels, including the Rajasthan Sampark portal and the dedicated toll-free helpline, to ensure that such exploitative practices are brought to justice and that essential supplies remain accessible to all at fair prices.