Tribune News Service
Amritsar/Tarn Taran/
Gurdaspur, Oct 23
Amid reports of DAP shortage, panicky farmers are ready to spend extra to just get a bag of the fertiliser required at the time of sowing wheat crop. Currently, they are buying one bag of DAP for at least Rs 1,400 against the printed price of Rs 1,200.
Sellers are also forcing farmers to buy a bag of sulfur, phosphorus and a bio-fertiliser with each bag of DAP. Depending on the nature and quality of soil, farmers use at least two bags of DAP at the time of sowing.
No crisis at all
Farmers are still engaged in harvesting paddy, so there is no need for DAP right now. A total of 25 rakes will reach all districts before Oct 25. In Gurdaspur and Pathankot, there is no shortage. —Amrik Singh, Agriculture officer
Don’t stock up
I have warned farmers against illegal stocking of DAP. I have also formed a team of officials to fan out among the agriculture community and tell everyone there is no shortage. —Mohammad Ishfaq, DC
Lakhbir Singh Nizampura, president, Vegetable Growers Association, said: “Farmers managed to get the required quantity of DAP for sowing vegetables. Now, we are worried about the requirement for wheat crop and it has pushed up the prices. Farmers are ready to pay more as without DAP they will not be able to sow wheat.”
Kuljeet Singh Malawali, another farmer, said: “Fleecing in the name of DAP shortage is a result of panic among farmers. We do not know if the shortage is real, but the panic wave is helping sellers earn the extra buck. The administration should take note of black marketing of the fertiliser.”
In Tarn Taran, only 8,000 metric tonne DAP has arrived so far against the demand for 28,000-30,000 MT. Farmers say the dealers have run out of stock. Jagwinder Singh, chief agricultural officer, said: “Wheat sowing will begin after a week. We expect that the fertiliser will be made available in sufficient quantity before it.”
In Gurdaspur, two DAP-laden rakes are expected to reach before October 25 and the supply is not that precarious as it was being made out to be.
Amrik Singh, agriculture officer, said: “Farmers are still engaged in harvesting paddy, so there is no need for DAP right now. When wheat sowing season commences after October 31, two rakes will be made available. In Gurdaspur and Pathankot, there is absolutely no shortage. Actually, farmers, after reading media reports pertaining to the impending shortage, have got panicky. A total of 25 rakes will reach all districts before October 25.”
Agriculture department officials said there would have been shortage had the Railways not made arrangements to send the rakes.
Meanwhile, district administration officials warned farmers against hoarding. “I have warned farmers against illegal stocking of DAP. I have also formed a team of officials to fan out among the agriculture community and tell everyone there is no shortage,” said DC Mohammad Ishfaq.
Amid shortage, farmers buy DAP above MRP
{$excerpt:n}
