2024-11-26 07:54:00
The import of Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), a key fertiliser for Rabi crops wheat, mustard, and chana (gram), surged 58.6 per cent to 8.17 lakh tonnes (lt) in October 2024 from 5.15 in the corresponding period last year. However, it has not been able to meet the demand for the month, which is estimated at 18.69 lt.
The latest official data show that DAP sales were recorded at 11.48 lt last month, which is also lower than 13.64 lt a year ago.
Experts said that while single super phosphate (SSP) is an alternative to DAP in the case of mustard, there is no alternative in the case of wheat crop, and farmers are buying Complex at higher prices to get the same yield due to the DAP shortage, said S K Singh, an agriculture scientist. As the normal window for wheat sowing in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan has already been over, any planting from now on may lower the yield, said Singh.
On October 30, the fertiliser ministry termed media reports on the DAP shortage in Punjab as misleading, misplaced, and devoid of factual position. It said that the import of DAP was affected due to the Red Sea crisis and admitted that the crisis had been “ongoing since January.” It also claimed that the government had maintained stable prices of DAP at ₹1,350 for a 50 kg bag.
“When the government was aware in January itself that there was delay in transit period, the planning should have been made accordingly so that the fertiliser reaches in time. Unless there is a policy decision to reduce use of DAP, the chemical fertiliser has to be made available and it is not the way to reduce sales,” said a top industry official requesting anonymity.
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What are the long-term implications of the DAP shortage on Rabi crop yields, particularly for wheat and mustard farmers?
**Interview on DAP Shortage and Its Impact on Rabi Crops**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today. We are discussing the recent surge in Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) imports and the ongoing shortage that has emerged despite a substantial increase in supply. Our guest today is S K Singh, an agriculture scientist, who will provide insights into this pressing issue. Welcome, Mr. Singh.
**S K Singh:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** To start, can you explain why there has been a significant increase in DAP imports, yet we are still facing a shortfall?
**S K Singh:** Certainly. In October 2024, DAP imports surged by approximately 58.6% compared to last year, reaching 8.17 lakh tonnes. However, the demand for DAP during this period is estimated at 18.69 lakh tonnes. The difference illustrates the crippling shortfall that farmers are experiencing.
**Host:** That’s quite a gap. Given that DAP is critical for Rabi crops like wheat, mustard, and chana, what impact does this shortage have on farmers?
**S K Singh:** The impact is severe, primarily because alternatives like Single Super Phosphate (SSP) can only partially substitute for mustard crops. For wheat, there isn’t a viable alternative to DAP. Farmers are now forced to resort to Complex fertilisers, which come at a much higher cost. This shift can significantly affect their yield and overall crop health.
**Host:** Recently, the government stated that the DAP crisis was “ongoing since January” due to the Red Sea crisis. Do you believe the government was adequately prepared for this situation?
**S K Singh:** From what I understand, if the government was aware of potential delays in transit as early as January, there should have been contingency plans in place to ensure timely availability of DAP. The lack of proactive measures, combined with the continued high demand from farmers, underscores a failure in policy planning.
**Host:** It’s interesting to note that the government mentioned maintaining stable prices at ₹1,350 for a 50 kg bag of DAP. How does that fit into the larger picture of supply and demand?
**S K Singh:** While stable pricing might seem beneficial, it doesn’t address the core issue of supply. If farmers can’t access enough DAP at those prices, it becomes meaningless. A policy that prioritises availability is crucial, rather than just price control.
**Host:** The normal window for wheat planting has already closed in key agricultural states. What are the implications of this for the upcoming harvest season?
**S K Singh:** The closing of the planting window means that any late sowing could dramatically reduce yields. Farmers are already under pressure due to the DAP shortage, and this situation can further exacerbate food security concerns.
**Host:** Thank you, Mr. Singh, for your insights on this critical issue. It appears that addressing the DAP shortage and enhancing future supply chain resilience will be paramount for supporting our farmers and ensuring food security.
**S K Singh:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. It is indeed essential to find solutions to support our agricultural community.
**Host:** And thank you to our audience for joining us. Stay tuned for more updates on this topic.
