RANCHI, April 8 -- In a high-powered District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held here on Tuesday, agriculture minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey issued a stern warning to the Centre, stating that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could trigger a severe urea shortage for Ranchi's farmers.

Presided over by Ranchi MP and MoS for Defence, Sanjay Seth, the meeting served as a final push for several lagging infrastructure projects, including the Tilta water pipeline and the city's controversial smart meter rollout.

Minister Tirkey, who represents the Mandar constituency, dominated the opening session by highlighting a widening gap between the state's fertiliser requirements and actual Central allocations....