Centre Steps in to Boost DAP Availability Amid Shortages

The centre is making efforts to boost the domestic supply of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilisers, while also stressing on the commodity’s availability at the local level amid heightened import dependence.

October and November are crucial months wherein farmers apply for DAP. About 65-70% of the Rabi season’s demand is met during these months.

As per fertiliser ministry, “The government is taking all necessary actions in coordination with the states, railways, and fertiliser companies to resolve local availability issues and ensure expeditious supplies of DAP.”

Notably, the centre has blamed the Red Sea crisis and export cuts (By suppliers) for the shortage.

The Department of Fertilizers said, “This year, due to the prevailing geo-political situations, such as less export to India by major suppliers and the Red Sea Crisis, the DAP supplies were affected,”

It noted that the Red Sea crisis forced vessels to shift their route to Cape of Good Hope, which in turn led to longer voyage times and supply chain disruption.

However, industry people claimed that the Red Sea crisis could have been avoided as it started in January. They opined of an ‘effective strategy’ to avert the repercussions of crisis. The situation also remains the same for potash, as the country remains 100% import-dependent.

Combined requirement of DAP in the first two months (Oct and Nov) of Rabi sowing season clocked at 35 lakh tonnes (lt). However, imported and domestic DAP stood at just 23 lt so far. During October DAP imports increased to 8.17 lt, up 58.6 % as compared to 5.15 lt during the same month last year.