Farmers besieged Rewa Collectorate over unpaid dues and fertiliser shortage

Farmers’ anger over unpaid dues for paddy procurement and a fertiliser shortage erupted on Monday. A large number of farmers under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Tikait) reached the Collectorate and besieged the office, shouting slogans.

The farmers alleged that during the Kharif marketing year 2024-25, 5,077 quintals of paddy were bought from 63 farmers at Seva Sahkari Samiti Beeda No. 2, and the total amount of Rs 1 crore 28 lakh had still not been paid. BKU district president Sugriv Singh said that failure to pay farmers on time after procurement was a clear case of corruption. A memorandum had earlier been submitted to the Collector on 7 July 2025, after which an assurance was given that payment would be made within 45 days. But even after the deadline passed, the farmers had not received their hard-earned money.

The farmers also raised the fertiliser shortage. They said needy farmers stood in line all night but fertiliser was not available. Troubled by this double blow, the farmers warned that if the dues were not paid and fertiliser arrangements not made soon, they would launch a more intense agitation.

Leaders submitted memorandum to Collector

Submitting the memorandum to the Collector, BKU leaders said clearly that if the farmers’ dues were not paid within seven days, the agitation would be intensified. The farmers even demanded that either they be paid or be allowed euthanasia.

BKU district president Sugriv Singh, state president Anil Yadav and a large number of farmers took part in the protest. Administrative staff also had to remain present at the spot during the agitation.