Context
Recently, Farmers from several states including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Karnataka are facing a severe shortage of fertilizers mainly of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) ahead of the Rabi season.
What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)?
- DAP is the second most widely used fertilizer in India after
- Growers tend to apply this fertilizer just before or at the start of sowing, as it is high in phosphorus (P) which stimulates root growth.
- DAP (46% P, 18% Nitrogen) is the preferred source of Phosphorus for farmers.
- This is similar to urea, which is their favorite nitrogenous fertilizer containing 46% N.
Cause of Shortage
- Disruption in Global Supply
- Due to the disruption of global supplies and logistic chain caused by the pandemic.This has also led to an increase in fertilizer prices worldwide.
- The increase in world prices has led India to lower its imports, which has led to a reduction in some of the country's fertilizer stocks.
- Increased prices for materials
- Given spiraling global prices - fertilizers and inputs such as phosphoric acid, ammonia and sulfur - imports would only work if companies could transfer these on to farmers here.
Implication of Shortage
- It can affect the planting of rabies plants in regions that are heavily dependent on soil moisture and water availability in dams.
- Lack of insufficient amount of nutrients during sowing can also affect the production target, which may be missed.
