Even as farmers across Punjab, Haryana and UP continue to struggle for DAP (diammonium phosphate) amid the rabi sowing season, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya today claimed there was enough stock of the fertiliser in the country and called the reports on shortage as “rumours”.
Appealing to the farmers not to hoard the fertiliser, Mandaviya warned the black-marketeers of stern action.
Massive supply gap
- Requirement 5.50 lakh MT
- Punjab has got 2.86 lakh MT
- State giving 50% to agri coops and rest to private sector
- Private outlets selling it Rs300 a bag higher than actual price
- Haryana has seen DAP loot and sale via police stations
Information available with The Tribune suggests that as against the requirement of 5.50 lakh MT of DAP, Punjab has so far received only 2.86 lakh MT from the Centre. With the state government releasing only 50 per cent of the fertiliser to the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and the remaining to the private sector, those buying from private outlets are being forced to shell out Rs 1,400-Rs 1,500 per bag, Rs 200-Rs 300 higher than the market price. In Haryana, the shortage over the past few days has led to road blockades, loot of the fertiliser from private outlets and its distribution from police stations. Long queues have been witnessed at government and private outlets.
Denouncing the claims on shortage, Mandaviya said he had reviewed with officials the production targets of fertilisers for November. “The production will surpass the demand raised by states and UTs.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/queues-for-dap-in-punjab-haryana-belie-govts-claims-333034