Chandigarh, June 11
Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab State President Kewal Singh Dhillon has written an important letter to Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J.P. Nadda, strongly urging the Government of India to ensure an uninterrupted and timely supply of DAP and urea fertilizers during the ongoing paddy sowing season in Punjab.
In his letter, Dhillon mentioned that the issue was discussed in detail during his meeting with the Union Minister on June 6. With the paddy sowing season now fully underway across Punjab, he has requested that the supply of these crucial fertilizers be further enhanced to meet rising demand.
Dhillon stated that the Central Government is already aware of the seriousness of the issue and has been supplying fertilizers as required. However, he drew the Minister’s attention to the fact that fertilizer demand in Punjab reaches its peak during June and July. Any shortage during this critical period forces farmers to stand in long queues outside cooperative societies and fertilizer outlets. Such delays can disrupt sowing operations, adversely affecting crop yields and ultimately impacting the nation’s food security. He further pointed out that fertilizer shortages often encourage hoarding and black marketing by unscrupulous elements. As a result, farmers are compelled to purchase fertilizers at prices higher than the prescribed MRP, placing an additional financial burden on them.
To address these challenges, Dhillon has sought the immediate release of an additional DAP quota for Punjab. He has also requested that a buffer stock of 2 to 3 lakh metric tonnes be maintained in the state well before demand peaks. Additionally, he urged the Ministry to prepare and share a monthly urea supply schedule with the Punjab Government to ensure smooth and efficient distribution. He also called for the establishment 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. Dhillon further emphasized the need for strict action against those involved in the illegal diversion of subsidized fertilizers allocated to Punjab to other states, as well as against hoarding and unauthorized stockpiling.
In the concluding part of his letter, Dhillon urged the Central Government to review the existing fertilizer allocation formula, taking into account Punjab’s intensive agricultural practices and its significant contribution to the nation’s food grain production. He argued that Punjab should receive a higher fertilizer allocation in line with its actual requirements. Expressing confidence in the Union Government’s commitment to farmers, Dhillon said he hopes that Union Minister J.P. Nadda will take prompt action to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fertilizers for Punjab’s farmers, who play a vital role in safeguarding the country’s food security.
