New Delhi, November 5 (IANS). Many states of the country are facing shortage of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer these days. Farmers have to stand in lines to get fertilizer. The situation is such that now the political atmosphere in the country is also heated regarding this issue. The question arises that how did there suddenly be a shortage of fertilizer in the country?
Currently, sowing of Rabi crops is going on in the country, but farmers are facing the crisis of DAP fertilizer at the time of sowing in the fields. According to media reports, it is being claimed that farmers have to buy DAP fertilizer available at government rates in black. The situation has become such that at many places there are long queues to buy fertilizer.
Actually, the main reason for the shortage of DAP fertilizer in the country is dependence on imports. The production of DAP fertilizer in India is limited and every year about 100 lakh tonnes of DAP is required in the country. Because of this, India fulfills the shortage of DAP through imports.
According to media reports, the crisis in the Red Sea has increased for some time and this has also affected the import of DAP fertilizer.
The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has clarified that DAP imports have been affected due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis since January, as a result of which fertilizer ships have had to cover an additional distance of 6,500 kilometers via the Cape of Good Hope. Despite these challenges, the Government of India has decided to maintain stable fertilizer prices (Rs 1,350 for a 50 kg bag) in two consecutive Cabinet meetings.
Apart from this, the Ministry has also clarified that the domestic production of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) is running at its best level. Along with this, the situation is being monitored in coordination with the Railway Ministry, State Government, Port Authority and fertilizer companies.
–IANS
FM/AKJ
