In a proactive move to ensure an adequate supply of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertilizer for farmers in District Moga, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal, along with all ADCs, SDMs, and officials from the Agriculture Department, conducted inspections of fertilizer vendors, dealers, and cooperative societies across the district. These checks aim to prevent hoarding and ensure a smooth supply of DAP fertilizer for farmers.
Providing updates, the Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal stated that he would personally carry out surprise inspections of fertilizer stock to deter any hoarding practices. Additionally, he instructed all SDMs to perform regular stock checks within their subdivisions, with the Agriculture Department closely monitoring the inventory.
Any dealer found hoarding or black-marketing DAP fertilizer will face immediate, strict action under relevant regulations. Farmers are also urged to request a bill for all purchases of fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds and report any dealer who refuses to provide a bill.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that any entity engaged in unfair practices, such as overpricing, illegal bundling with other goods, or black-marketing of fertilizers, will be strictly penalized. Such actions violate the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which carry stringent penalties for offenders.
The Punjab government has also established helplines for farmers to report any illegal activities related to DAP fertilizers. Farmers can report issues like overpricing, hoarding, or black marketing by calling the helpline at 1100 or sending a WhatsApp message to 98555-01076.
Reassuring the farming community, Deputy Commissioner Sarangal emphasized that there is no need for farmers to panic, as all efforts are being made to ensure they receive the required quantity of DAP fertilizer before sowing. The district administration is working around the clock to address any supply issues, and farmers are encouraged to reach out if they face challenges.
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Sukharaj Kaur Deol also appealed to farmers to consider alternative phosphorus-based fertilizers, such as Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) 46%, which is widely available and can be effectively used in wheat sowing. The Agriculture Department is coordinating with fertilizer suppliers to ensure the consistent availability of phosphorus fertilizers across the district.
Dr. Deol clarified that DAP provides 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus, and suitable alternatives like straight phosphatic fertilizers and NPK complex fertilizers are readily available in the market. Key options include Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) with 46% phosphorus, which can be paired with 20 kg of urea per acre to provide nutrients equivalent to DAP. Additionally, farmers can use 20 kg of urea and 155 kg of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) 16% per acre to meet their crop’s nitrogen and phosphorus needs.
Apart from these, NPK fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in combinations such as NPK 16-16-16, NPK 15-15-15, NPK 12-32-16, NPK 10-26-26, Urea Ammonium Phosphate 24-24-0, and Ammonium Phosphate Sulfate 20-20-0-13 are also recommended for use in wheat sowing.