Lack of fertilizer before sowing of wheat in Himachal Pradesh has increased the problems of farmers. 12:32:16 The supply of fertilizers is affected and the prices of some fertilizers have increased by up to Rs 550. Up to 800 metric tons of fertilizer has been sought for Kangra.
Hospice: Farmers preparing to sow wheat in Himachal Pradesh are facing problems for fertilizer. 12:32:16 There is shortage of fertilizer in many districts including Kangra. Farmers are reaching out to cooperative societies and fertilizer sellers, but are not able to get fertilizer as per requirement. On the other hand, the price of fertilizer has also increased by Rs 550 compared to last year. In such a situation, farmers are worried that if fertilizer is not received on time, there may be a delay in wheat sowing.
Farmers wandering for fertilizer before sowing wheat
The time of sowing of Rabi crops is going on in Himachal. In many areas wheat is sown during November. In Kangra too, farmers are busy preparing their fields, but lack of fertilizer has become a problem for them.
The biggest problem is 12:32:16 with fertilizer. Farmers are contacting cooperative societies to get this fertilizer. At many places they are getting information about not having enough stock.
Complaints of shortage of fertilizers have also come from Hamirpur, Mandi and other districts of the state. In October, farmers in Gohar and Saraj areas had said that sowing of peas, garlic and other crops along with wheat would be affected.
Fertilizer supply affected due to non availability of raw material
One reason for the shortfall in the supply of 12:32:16 fertilizer to farmers is said to be the availability of raw materials required to prepare it.
This fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients play a role in the initial growth and root development of wheat.
The stock of this fertilizer in Himachal has been affected due to shortage of raw materials and problems in international supply. In September, HIMFED officials had informed about providing DAP and 16:16:16 fertilizer instead of 12:32:16 fertilizer.
However, the ratio of nutrients in these fertilizers is different. Therefore, farmers should use them as per the requirement of the soil and the advice of agricultural experts.
Last year the price was Rs 1900, now it is Rs 2450
Farmers are also facing increased prices due to shortage of fertilizers. According to available local information, the price of fertilizer, which was priced around Rs 1900 last year, has reached Rs 2450 this year.
According to this, Rs 550 more have to be spent on one bag. However, this price is as per local reports and the official selling price of different fertilizers may vary.
Farmers also have to spend money on seeds, plowing the fields and labour. In such a situation, the cost of wheat cultivation is increasing due to the cost of fertilizer.
Even in Chamba district, during September, farmers had complained of having to spend around Rs 600 extra on one bag due to fertilizer replacement.
Demand for up to 800 metric tons of fertilizer for Kangra
To overcome the shortage of fertilizer in Kangra district, IFFCO is trying to increase the supply.
According to IFFCO Area Manager Shrey Sood, a demand for about 700 to 800 metric tons of fertilizer has been sent for the district. It is being supplied through rail and trucks.
He informed that some consignments of fertilizer have started reaching the district. More fertilizer is expected to be available in the coming week.
However, there is no clear data available as to how much fertilizer has reached the district till now.
Fertilizer reaches farmers from 150 cooperative societies
There are about 150 cooperative societies associated with IFFCO in Kangra district. Fertilizer is provided to the farmers through these committees.
After the arrival of the consignment of fertilizer, the stock is sent to the committees, from where the farmers purchase as per their need.
Currently, due to limited supply, all farmers are finding it difficult to get fertilizer as per their requirement. Farmers hope that sufficient stock will be available in the committees before the time of sowing comes.
If sowing is not done on time, the crop may be affected.
Timely sowing of wheat in lower and middle hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh is recommended between the last week of October to 15th November. However, sowing time varies in different altitude areas. According to the state agriculture department, production may be affected if wheat sowing is delayed.
Farmers are also concerned about the fact that despite the fields being ready, sowing should not be postponed while waiting for fertiliser.