A severe fertiliser crisis appears imminent in the state as it gears up for the upcoming Kharif season. A growing scarcity of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and a sharp price hike in NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilisers have raised concerns among farmers and policymakers alike.
Emergency Meeting by Chief Minister
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired an emergency meeting on Friday to address the crisis. During the session, it was decided that the existing stock of fertilisers will be distributed immediately to farmers at previously fixed rates, in an attempt to ease pressure and avoid black marketing.
The government is also considering alternatives such as supplying urea or TSP (Triple Super Phosphate) to meet the shortfall of DAP. Currently, the state holds about 3.5 lakh tonnes of DAP and NPK combined, against a requirement of 7.5 lakh tonnes—leaving a significant gap.
Disruption in Global Supply and Price Hike
The crisis has been exacerbated by a disruption in global supply chains. With China halting DAP exports, India is now solely dependent on Morocco for DAP imports. Additionally, due to the government’s decision not to increase the price ceiling, fertiliser companies have reportedly halted DAP production, leading to further scarcity.
To manage the Rabi season, the government had encouraged the use of NPK, but with the rising demand, manufacturers hiked prices from ₹1,470 to ₹1,720 per 50-kg bag—despite no increase in central subsidies.
Shortfall in Central Allocation
Adding to the crisis, the Centre has fallen short in its promised allotment of fertilisers to the state. While the state was supposed to receive 1 lakh tonnes of DAP and 1.5 lakh tonnes of NPK this month, only 25,000 tonnes of NPK have been delivered so far. DAP allocation is still pending.
Farmer Backlash Likely
With the price burden falling on farmers, especially for NPK, discontent is brewing. The hike, coupled with uncertainty around fertiliser availability, may trigger large-scale resentment in rural areas, potentially impacting agricultural output and political sentiment in the state.
The government is expected to ramp up communication with the Centre and explore short-term measures to cushion farmers from the brunt of this crisis.
