DAP Shortage In Jewar: Farmers Allege Black Market, Rabi Crops At Risk

Farmers are grappling with a shortage of DAP (Di-ammonium phosphate) fertiliser as they begin sowing Rabi season crops, including wheat. The supply distributed by the government from cooperative society warehouses is insufficient to meet the farmers' needs, compelling them to purchase fertiliser from the open market.

Taking advantage of the high demand and low supply, most shopkeepers in Jewar, Jahangirpur, and Rabupura are allegedly engaging in the black marketing of DAP. Farmers report that due to the lack of sufficient fertiliser, their pre-irrigated fields are drying up. It is alleged that a bag of DAP, officially priced at Rs 1,350, is being sold for Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,700. Farmers also stated that most private shopkeepers refuse to provide a receipt when asked.

In the Jewar tehsil region, which has the largest area of arable land in the district, most farmers grow wheat during the Rabi season, applying 10 to 12 kilograms of DAP per bigha. Across the district, wheat is to be sown on 50,391 hectares, barley on 1,583 hectares, and mustard on 971 hectares.

There was a district-wide requirement for 3,929 metric tonnes of DAP, but so far, only 3,168 metric tonnes have been made available. Consequently, farmers are not receiving an adequate supply for sowing.

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Official Response

Vivek Dubey, the District Agriculture Officer for Gautambudh Nagar, denied any scarcity, stating, "There is no shortage of DAP anywhere in the district; there is adequate availability."

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He provided a contact number for complaints, saying, "Even in the open market, if there is any issue of overcharging or if fertiliser is unavailable, you can immediately register your complaint and problem by calling 7839882586." He added that the farmer must be from Gautambudh Nagar and possess their land records, assuring them that they "will not be allowed to face any kind of problem."