Why Paddy Farmers in Andhra Pradesh are Facing Severe Fertiliser Shortage

Acute scarcity of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer is likely to have an impact on paddy production in Andhra Pradesh. During this Kharif season, paddy is being grown on more than 12 lakh hectares. Even though Agriculture Minister Kurasala Kanna Babu has recently said that there is no scarcity of DAP, farmers are concerned about the fertilizer's lack of availability. 

According to reports, until a few days ago, the DAP was offered for Rs 50 to Rs 70 more than the MRP of Rs 1200 since supply did not match demand. The DAP is not accessible in the open market or at the Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), even if a farmer wished to buy at a higher price. According to sources, the scarcity of DAP is anticipated to impair paddy cultivation, causing issues for farmers. 

The problem, according to the authorities, was caused by instructions from the central government. The fertilizer industry was told not to raise the maximum retail price (MRP) of non-urea fertilizers like DAP. Instead of importing pricey chemicals, the firms were advised to look at alternatives such as single superphosphate and bio-fertilizer, given the surge in their pricing on the international market. Fertilizer firms receive set subsidies from the government. The subsidy component, according to the businesses, is insufficient. As a result, they've reduced DAP output, putting a strain on supply," stated a senior functionary who declined to be named. 

According to agriculture department sources, farmers use around 40 kg of DAP each acre. If necessary, 20 kg is utilized in the second application. In most areas of the Krishna Eastern Delta and Godavari Delta, paddy seedling transplanting is substantially complete. In the Krishna Western delta, KC Canal, NSP, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram districts, transplantation activities are underway. Farmers in these ayacuts and regions require DAP for the first application and, in some circumstances, the second application. This season, the government has set a target of 15.99 lakh hectares for paddy cultivation. According to reports, 12.19 lakh hectares had been planted as of September 1. 

Agriculture Commissioner H. Arun Kumar said the state government has been checking the supply on a regular basis when contacted. The problem has also been brought to the attention of the Union government. At the Krishnapatnam port, a shipment was received. He stated that efforts were being made to guarantee appropriate supply levels at RBKs.