Global Fertiliser Shortages Manifest

[TithonusSyndrome]

India is also anticipating a fertilizer shortage

DAVANGERE: There is a severe shortage of chemical fertilizers in the district, and this has come as a blow to farmers.

Many fertilizer dealers who have stocks are allegedly selling them in the black market or demanding that farmers also buy insecticide and seeds if they want fertilizers. According to farmers, some dealers are selling fertilizers at Rs. 1,200 a tonne, while the actual price is Rs. 860.

Many farmers are angry about the short supply of fertilizers. Dugappa, a middle-aged farmer from Jagalur, said that it was quite surprising that fertilizers were not available although they were ready to pay actual prices without demanding subsidy or other benefits.

Karibasappa, another farmer from Mayakonda, said they were unnecessarily being troubled by the Government.
Self-sufficiency

Manjunath, a progressive farmer from Davangere taluk, asked how the country would be able to achieve self-sufficiency in food production if the Government failed to provide facilities such as fertilizers, seeds and irrigation to farmers.

Joint Director of Agriculture Shivamurthappa told The Hindu that short supply of fertilizers was a nationwide phenomenon, as some fertilizer companies had closed down and many others had reduced production owing to escalation in the prices of raw material. Hence, there was a shortage of fertilizers not only in Davangere but in other districts as well.

However, he said 2,400 tonnes of fertilizers was expected immediately and another 4,800 tonnes was expected in the first week of February. The total requirement for the summer crop was around 70,000 tonnes, which was likely to be available by the end of February.

He said paddy was the main summer crop in the region. Apart from this, sunflower and groundnut were also being cultivated. Fertilizers would be required when farmers go in for paddy transplantation, which would be done in another 10 to 15 days, he said.

The Agriculture Department had warned dealers of strict action if they were found selling fertilizers in the black market, Mr. Shivamurthappa said, adding that all dealers had been instructed to display a board indicating prices and stock available in their shops. He said no farmer should be forced into buying additional goods to get fertilizers.