In a bid to ensure adequate supply of fertilisers to Punjab Farmer for the upcoming Rabi season as per the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Special Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. KAP Sinha, on Friday, met Sh. JP Nadda, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers in New Delhi. The development came close on the heels of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally talking to the Union Minister Sh. Nadda to apprise him about less supply of DAP fertiliser in month of August as compared to the allocation.
Following which, the team led by Special Chief Secretary KAP Sinha sent to Delhi to discuss the matter with the Union Minister. Accompanied by senior officials from Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department and Punjab Markfed, Mr. KAP Sinha emphasised the state's fertiliser needs for the 2024-25 Rabi season.
Notably, Punjab is expecting to sow wheat on approximately 35 lakh hectares, requiring around 5.50 lakh metric tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser. "Our meeting with Union Minister Sh. JP Nadda remained fruitful, and we have received assurances that Punjab will receive adequate quantities of DAP and other phosphatic fertilisers during the forthcoming Rabi season,” he said, while reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab Government to ensure timely access to essential inputs, including fertilisers, to the farmers of the state.
Pertinently, during the year 2023-24, Punjab state has contributed 46% share of wheat in the the centre pool, and in view of the higher production of wheat this year, the Government of India during the recent zonal conference has allocated 4.50 lakh metric tonne DAP fertiliser,1.50 lakh metric tonne NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and 1.50 lakh metric tonne SSP (Single superphosphate) fertilisers to the state of Punjab for 2024-25 Rabi season.
Mr. KAP Sinha said that Union Minister Sh. JP Nadda has assured that there would be no shortage of DAP fertiliser and other phosphatic fertilisers, and that adequate quantities would be supplied to Punjab over the next two months as per demand. “We are confident that this allocation, combined with the assured supply, will meet our farmers' demands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. KAP Sinha also held a meeting with Mr. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Chemicals & Fertilisers.