Fertilizer shortage hits Amethi farmers, officials insist supply is plentiful

As Rabi crop sowing begins, farmers in Amethi struggle with a shortage of DAP fertilizer, critical for crops like potatoes, gram, and peas. Despite their repeated attempts to procure it, many report that local stocks have run dry, halting planting in numerous fields. MP Kishori Lal Sharma raised concerns in a letter to the District Magistrate, noting complaints from farmers unable to obtain the necessary fertilizer.

Farmers like Shambhu Nath Mishra and Jitendra Kumar Singh explained that they’ve been trying to get DAP since October 9, visiting fertilizer warehouses daily without success. They emphasized that available DAP stocks on the market are unreliable, urging authorities to ensure timely delivery of authentic fertilizer and seeds to avoid disruption in planting schedules.

Officials, however, insist that DAP stocks exceed the district’s needs. Subhasini Srivastava, head of IFFCO Fertilizer Center in Mahmoodpur, stated that while she had DAP earlier, supplies ran out on October 9 and more stock is expected within days. Meanwhile, District Agriculture Officer reported that Amethi’s DAP target for October was set at 3,121 metric tons, yet over 4,178 metric tons were available in the district. Of this, 1,872 metric tons have already been distributed, with an additional 2,500 metric tons en route to distribution centers.

He assured that no fertilizer shortage exists, with 300 metric tons of IPL DAP scheduled to arrive soon. Despite these claims, farmers continue to face delays in DAP supply, stressing the need for effective coordination to avoid further planting delays and ensure smooth Rabi season sowing.