Punjab Secures Fertilizer Supply for Rabi Season after Central Government Talks

Punjab's Special Chief Secretary of Agriculture met Union Minister JP Nadda to address the state's DAP fertilizer needs for the upcoming Rabi season. Following Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's intervention, assurances were given for adequate supplies to meet the demands of wheat and potato cultivation.

In a significant move to secure adequate fertilizer supplies for Punjab farmers ahead of the Rabi season, Special Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare KAP Sinha met with Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers JP Nadda in New Delhi on Friday. This meeting followed Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's direct communication with Nadda regarding the shortfall of DAP fertilizer in August.

Speaking to ANI, KAP Sinha emphasized the need for 5.5 lakh tonnes of DAP for wheat and potato crops this season. 'We currently have 84,000 tonnes in stock. Today, we met with Union Minister JP Nadda and Union Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra, who assured us that Punjab will receive the required DAP supply,' Sinha said. He was accompanied by senior officials from Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and Punjab Markfed.

Punjab plans to sow wheat on approximately 35 lakh hectares, necessitating around 5.50 lakh metric tonnes of DAP. 'The meeting with Minister Nadda was fruitful, and we are confident that Punjab will get sufficient DAP and other phosphate fertilizers for the Rabi season,' Sinha added. Notably, Punjab contributed 46% of wheat to the central pool for 2023-24, and the central government has allocated 4.50 lakh metric tonnes of DAP, 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of NPK, and 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of SSP for 2024-25.

During the session, KAP Sinha also discussed ensuring uninterrupted fertilizer availability with Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Chemicals & Fertilizers Ministry. Both central and state governments aim to provide timely access to essential inputs for farmers.

(With inputs from agencies.)