In News
- Farmers from some of the biggest agricultural states (Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana & Karnataka) are facing a severe shortage of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) & muriate of potash (MOP) fertilizers.
Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizers
- After urea, Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser is the most widely used one in the country.
- It contains both Nitrogen and Phosphorus which are primary macro-nutrients.
- It was applied just before or at the beginning of sowing.
- Composition of DAP: N-18% and P2O5 -46%.
Reasons for Shortages
- Spike in the cost of raw materials used to manufacture fertilizers
- Rise in global prices due to logistic issues
- Fixed Subsidies to the Fertilizer Companies
Implications
- Dampers the plantings of Rabi Crops ( Wheat, mustard, potato, onion etc) despite surplus rains.
- Impact production target due to non-availability of raw materials
- Sharply hike retail prices
- Impact upcoming political elections
Way Ahead
- Improve Logistics (Ports to the consumption centres)
- Prevent “cartelisation” among fertiliser companies
- Farmers are advised to use a mixture of urea-single super phosphate instead of DAP.
- Bring urea under nutrient-based subsidy and let farmers think beyond DAP and MOP.
Source: HT
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