Farmers staged a protest in front of the agriculture department office in Mysuru, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the mandatory Farmer Identification Number (FID) requirement for purchasing fertilisers. The protest was organised by the Karnataka State Sugarcane Growers' Association.
Government's FRUITS Registration Mandate
To curb misuse of fertilisers, the state government has made registration under the Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System (FRUITS) mandatory for all farmers to purchase fertilisers this year. The association's state unit president, Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, alleged that both the state and Union governments were pushing farmers away from agriculture. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to double farmers' income by 2026, but instead of rising incomes, fertiliser prices had increased sharply.
Fertiliser Shortage and Import Disruptions
Bhagyaraj stated that ongoing conflicts in West Asia had disrupted the import of raw materials required for fertilisers. Karnataka requires nearly two crore tonnes of urea, but only around 50% of the required stock is currently available, which could lead to a severe shortage, he warned. He questioned how farmers cultivating land under Bagar Hukum, Inam land, and leased arrangements would access fertilisers if FID is made compulsory. He urged the state government to introduce alternative mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted supply. He also noted that while the PM has encouraged organic farming, a complete shift cannot happen overnight.
Fuel Supply Issues for Agricultural Machinery
The protesters also complained that petrol and diesel for agricultural machinery were not being supplied easily at fuel stations. They pointed out that it is impractical for farmers to bring tractors, tillers, brush cutters, and weeding machines directly to petrol pumps for refuelling. The association demanded that restrictions be relaxed and that farmers be allowed to purchase fuel in cans for agricultural use.
The protest highlights growing discontent among farmers over regulatory hurdles and input shortages. The association has called for immediate government intervention to address these issues and ensure smooth access to essential agricultural inputs.
