Farmers' Protest Highlights Urea Crisis Amid Global Supply Chain Strain

Farmers in Amritsar protested against urea shortages amid a global crisis as Qatar's plants remain offline. The Indian government urges responsible fertiliser use as the global supply chain suffers due to regional conflicts. Simultaneously, measures to maintain law and order were enforced during local protests.

Farmers in Amritsar staged a demonstration on Monday, voicing their discontent over an alleged shortage of urea and fertilisers. Assistant Commissioner of Police (South) Preetinder Singh affirmed that law and order were maintained, with demonstrators planning to symbolically burn an effigy to highlight their grievances.

The demonstration occurs against the backdrop of a global urea market crisis, as Qatar's production remains halted since March, exacerbated by Iranian gas cutoffs. This has exposed vulnerabilities in the urea supply chain, with industry analysts warning of a single chokepoint susceptible to disruptions.

In response, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has initiated the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan,' a month-long campaign launched on June 1, to promote balanced fertiliser use and explore alternatives like nano-urea. Meanwhile, the Indian government reassured citizens of stable essential commodity supplies amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.