Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh, has raised concerns over the availability of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertiliser for farmers in the state. In a recent video posted on his official X handle, Singh urged the state government to address the shortage of fertilisers, which is crucial for ensuring a good yield of wheat, mustard, and pulses crops.
His plea highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by farmers in Madhya Pradesh, where the lack of timely access to fertilisers is becoming a recurring issue.
Singh expressed concern that farmers in the state are frequently encountering problems, starting with the low market price for their soybean crops and now with the unavailability of essential fertilisers.
He stated that the government’s mismanagement is largely responsible for these difficulties, stressing that if the situation is not addressed promptly, it could impact the upcoming agricultural season and crop yields. Singh’s call for action comes at a critical time, as farmers depend on fertilisers like DAP to ensure healthy growth and productivity.
According to Singh, the issue is not new. He claims that a shortage of fertilisers has become common during the sowing season in Madhya Pradesh, which is largely due to inefficiencies within the state’s cooperative societies.
Singh explained that the government’s decision to hand over fertiliser distribution to the private sector has exacerbated the issue. Cooperative societies, which were once the primary means of fertiliser distribution, are now sidelined, leading to black market activities where private sellers exploit the situation. Singh accused the state’s Food Department of failing to monitor these illegal practices, which further burdens the farmers.
The Congress leader also provided some alarming figures about the fertiliser shortage. He revealed that the state requires about 8 lakh metric tons of DAP, but only 1.25 lakh metric tons have been made available to date.
This significant shortfall is causing further stress for the farming community. Singh argued that the cooperative societies, which once supplied nearly 70 percent of the state’s fertilisers, are no longer functioning as effectively due to the shift to private suppliers. This has resulted in only a fraction of the necessary fertilisers reaching farmers in time for sowing.
In his appeal, Singh called for a return to the cooperative system for fertiliser distribution. He emphasised that cooperatives had a much wider reach, with warehouses in almost every village, making them more accessible to farmers.
He believes that reverting to this system would not only curb black market activities but also ensure fair and transparent distribution. Singh insisted that only a government-controlled cooperative system could meet the needs of farmers honestly and effectively.
Singh’s demand comes at a time when farmers are already struggling with various challenges, including fluctuating crop prices, erratic weather patterns, and now, the fertiliser crisis.
The lack of adequate fertiliser supply can severely impact their ability to cultivate crops, leading to lower yields and financial strain. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are particularly reliant on DAP fertiliser, which is vital for the growth of key crops like wheat, mustard, and pulses. Without it, the state’s agricultural output could suffer significantly.
The issue of fertiliser distribution has sparked political debate in the state, with Singh’s criticism of the ruling government adding to the mounting pressure.
The Congress leader has urged the administration to take immediate action and resolve the fertiliser crisis before it worsens. He also reiterated his party’s commitment to standing by the farmers and ensuring that their needs are prioritised.
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