Exclusive: ‘Operation Kisan’ finds subsidised urea meant for farmers allegedly diverted to plywood, glue factories

A Zee Media investigation, ‘Operation Kisan’, found an alleged nexus involving middlemen, factories and suppliers in the diversion of subsidised urea meant for farmers. The investigation alleged that subsidised agricultural urea was allegedly reaching glue factories, where glue or resin used in plywood, MDF and particle board manufacturing was being produced. According to the report, while farmers continue to wait in long queues for fertiliser, black marketing of government urea continues through organised supply networks.

Bulandshahr seizure raised questions

The investigation referred to a recent case in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, where police seized 1,575 bags of government urea loaded in three trucks. According to the report, the subsidised fertiliser was allegedly being transported for black marketing before police intercepted the consignment.

The investigation raised questions over whether the seized urea was meant to be supplied to factories outside Uttar Pradesh or used in glue manufacturing linked to plywood production.

How subsidised urea allegedly entered glue manufacturing

According to the investigation, urea is used in making glue or resin, which is later supplied to plywood, MDF and particle board manufacturing units.

The report stated that glue factories are supposed to use Technical Grade urea, which costs between Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kg. However, the investigation alleged that subsidised agricultural urea priced around Rs 6 per kg was allegedly reaching glue factories instead.

According to the report, cheaper subsidised urea allegedly helped reduce glue production costs and ultimately benefitted plywood manufacturers.

Hidden camera probe in Haryana’s Yamunanagar

To investigate the alleged diversion network, members of the Zee Media Special Investigation Team visited factories in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district while posing as buyers and carrying hidden cameras.

During the sting operation, a worker allegedly confirmed glue manufacturing activity inside the unit. Hidden camera conversations aired during the investigation also allegedly showed factory operators claiming there was little fear of raids or enforcement action.

According to the investigation, middlemen act as links between plywood factories, glue factories and urea suppliers.

Parliamentary panel chairman speaks on alleged syndicate

The investigation also included comments from Kirti Azad, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers.

According to the report, Azad alleged that syndicates involving hundreds of people purchase subsidised fertiliser and transport it to companies through organised networks.

The Zee Media investigation also displayed documents and bills allegedly linked to resin or glue purchases by plywood companies.

According to the report, one bill allegedly linked to a company mentioned purchase of 30,000 kg resin at a rate of Rs 32.50 per kg.

Another bill shown during the investigation was allegedly linked to a separate company and mentioned purchase of exterior resin weighing 29,100 kg.

The investigation alleged that these bills contradicted claims by some plywood companies that they do not purchase glue or resin.

Farmers raise concerns over fertiliser diversion

The report also included reactions from farmers in Haryana, who expressed concern over subsidised fertiliser allegedly being diverted away from agricultural use.

According to the investigation, farmers continue to face difficulties accessing fertiliser despite heavy government subsidy support.

Zee Media stated that more revelations linked to the alleged diversion network and procurement practices of companies would be shown in upcoming parts of ‘Operation Kisan’.