Chandigarh, 11 June (H.S.): Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab President Kewal Singh Dhillon has written to Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri J.P. Nadda, seeking immediate measures to ensure the uninterrupted supply of DAP and urea fertilizers to farmers across Punjab during the ongoing paddy sowing season.

In his letter, Dhillon highlighted that the issue was discussed during his meeting with the Union Minister on June 6. With paddy transplantation now underway across the state, he stressed the need to enhance fertilizer supplies to meet the increasing demand during the peak agricultural season.

Dhillon noted that while the Central Government has been providing fertilizers as per requirements, demand in Punjab rises sharply during June and July. Any shortage during this critical period can force farmers to wait in long queues outside cooperative societies and fertilizer outlets, causing delays in sowing operations and potentially affecting crop productivity.

He also expressed concern over the possibility of fertilizer shortages leading to hoarding and black marketing. Such practices, he said, compel farmers to purchase fertilizers at prices above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP), adding to their financial burden.

To address the situation, Dhillon urged the Centre to release an additional quota of DAP for Punjab and maintain a buffer stock of 2 to 3 lakh metric tonnes in the state before demand reaches its peak. He further requested the Ministry to prepare and share a monthly urea supply schedule with the Punjab Government to facilitate smooth distribution.

The BJP leader also proposed the creation of a real-time joint monitoring mechanism involving the Union Ministry, fertilizer companies such as IFFCO and NFL, and the Punjab Government to prevent any artificial shortage of fertilizers. Additionally, he called for strict action against those involved in the diversion of subsidized fertilizers allocated to Punjab and against hoarding and unauthorized stockpiling.

In his letter, Dhillon also urged the Centre to review the existing fertilizer allocation formula, arguing that Punjab’s intensive farming practices and significant contribution to the nation’s food grain production justify a higher allocation of fertilizers. He expressed confidence that the Union Government would take prompt steps to safeguard the interests of Punjab’s farmers and ensure uninterrupted fertilizer availability during the crucial sowing season.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH