Farmers warn of protests over fertilizer shortage; allege black market sales
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has threatened protests over fertilizer shortages and alleged black market sales in India. The group is also demanding statutory minimum support prices and opposing a potential India-US free trade agreement.
Why it matters
The potential for large-scale farmer protests highlights ongoing tensions between agricultural unions and the Indian government regarding economic policy and resource distribution.
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella organisation of about 500 farmers’ associations, has warned that it will begin protests if the Union Government fails to ensure adequate supply of fertilizer for kharif crops. Talking to reporters after a national council meeting, SKM leaders said here on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) that in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, farmers are already facing shortages, and fertilizer is being sold in the black market.
The article focuses heavily on the grievances and demands of the farmers' union, giving significant space to their perspective on government policy.
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