Center Assures Panjab of DAP Supply, Ground Reality Belies Claim

On 26 Oct, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers (C&F) JP Nadda met Panjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to discuss the availability of DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate) fertilizer for Panjab’s wheat sowing season. CM Mann emphasized the state’s urgent need for DAP supplies until 15 Nov, noting that 70% of DAP is imported and shortages due to international issues have affected supply. He urged the union govt. to prioritize allotting DAP to Panjab over states that require it later. JP Nadda assured that C&F Dept. is taking all necessary steps to guarantee uninterrupted availability of DAP to Panjab’s farmers, emphasizing the union govt.’s commitment to supporting farmers nationwide. On 30 Oct, the Central govt. refuted recent media claims about a shortage of DAP in Panjab affecting the rabi (winter) crop prospects, according to a Press Information Bureau release. The govt. stated that it has ensured sufficient supplies of DAP and other essential fertilizers, including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers. However, in reality, Panjab has received only 58% of its allocated DAP fertilizer. The state was allocated 468K MT of DAP against a requirement of 550K MT but has received only 276K MT so far. Farmers are anxious as they have only a two-week window to complete wheat sowing, which officially started around 25 Oct and needs to be completed by 15 Nov for optimal yield. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha’s Sarwan Singh Pandher blamed both the Center and Panjab govt. for the shortage, noting that farmers are already distressed due to the paddy crisis.