Farmers under the banner of the All India Kisan Mahasabha staged a protest at the block agriculture office in Bhore block, Gopalganj, on Friday. They protested against the severe shortage and black marketing of fertilizers, irrigation crises, and irregularities in paddy procurement. As the Block Agriculture Officer was absent, a delegation submitted a memorandum of demands to BDO Mukesh Kumar.

Speakers at the protest highlighted that despite it being the sowing season for potatoes, maize, and wheat, DAP and urea are unavailable in markets. Black marketing of fertilizers is rampant, with farmers being charged exorbitant prices. They demanded an immediate stop to black marketing, the provision of DAP at Rs 1350, and the removal of the mandatory land receipt condition for purchasing fertilizers, which inconveniences ordinary farmers.

Additionally, farmers called for immediate government procurement of paddy through Vyapar Mandals and PACS, with cash payments to farmers. They also demanded improved irrigation facilities, including extending electricity lines and poles to every private boring and ensuring water reaches the tail-end of canals. Kisan Mahasabha leaders warned of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed promptly.

The event was presided over by former district president of Kisan Mahasabha, Lal Bahadur Singh, and conducted by Comrade Dharmendra Chauhan of the CPI (ML) District Committee. Several other leaders, including district convener Santraj Singh and Bhore Panchayat Mukhiya Kamlesh Prasad, addressed the gathering.