Black Market for Fertilizers Is Booming in India as Prices Soar
- Country is one of the worst affected by a worldwide shortage
- Farmers face tough choice of cutting use or paying high prices
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Indian farmers squeezed by a massive shortage of fertilizers are turning to the black market and paying exorbitant prices for supplies.
The shortfall has led to a thriving market where subsidized crop nutrients are sold illegally at prices much higher than levels set by the government. Shady agents have been busy fielding requests from farmers who call them in desperate need.