Union Govt assures adequate fertilizer supply to Punjab as Special Special Chief Secretary meets JP Nadda

New Delhi [India], August 30 (ANI): In a bid to ensure an adequate supply of fertilisers to Punjab Farmer for the upcoming Rabi season, the Special Chief Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare KAP Sinha, on Friday, met Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers JP Nadda in New Delhi.
The developments came after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann personally talked to the Union Minister 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.
Talking to ANI Special Principal Secretary, Kap Sinha said, "This year, for two Rabi crops, wheat and potato mainly, 5.5 lakh tonne DAP is required. DAP, diammonium phosphate, completes the requirement of nutrients and ensures maximum production. We receive fertilizers from the central government. We have 84,000 tonnes of fertilizer in stock... CM Bhagwant Mann spoke to the Union Fertilizer Minister... Today we met Union Minister JP Nadda and Union Secretary Rajat Kumar Mishra... They have assured that any DAP requirement Punjab has will be fulfilled..."
Accompanied by senior officials from Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and Punjab Markfed, 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 Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser.
"Our meeting with Union Minister JP Nadda remained fruitful, and we have received assurances that Punjab will receive adequate quantities of DAP and other phosphate 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.
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.
KAP Sinha also stated that Union Minister JP Nadda has assured that there would be no shortage of DAP fertiliser and other phosphate 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, KAP Sinha also held a meeting with, Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Chemicals & Fertilisers Ministry in the government of India to ensure the availability of fertilisers in Punjab. (ANI)