Farmers struggle as DAP fertilizer shortage hits Kailali during paddy planting season

Dhangadhi: Farmers in Kailali are facing difficulties after a shortage of DAP fertilizer was observed during the main paddy planting season. With the beginning of Ashar, farmers engaged in transplantation are worried that crop production may be affected if they do not receive the required chemical fertilizers on time.

Pratibha Rana, a farmer from Dhangadhi-3, said she was compelled to plant paddy this year despite the fertilizer shortage. She said that while she used to receive fertilizer at affordable prices through cooperatives in the past, this year there has been difficulty due to irregular supply. “Farmers do not get fertilizer on time, and the lack of fertilizer affects crop production,” she said.

Similarly, another farmer, Chhatan Rana, expressed concern over increasing dependence on chemical fertilizers due to insufficient organic alternatives, while also facing shortages. “No matter which government comes, fertilizer is not provided,” he said.

Farmers stated that after failing to obtain fertilizer at subsidized rates through cooperatives, they are forced to purchase it at higher prices from private agrovet and veterinary shops. The recurring fertilizer shortage during the planting season has further increased farmers’ concerns.

According to Naval Singh Bogati, Manager of Agricultural Materials Company Limited Sudurpaschim Province, the stock of DAP fertilizer has now been exhausted. He stated that 14,562 metric tons of urea, 8,236 metric tons of DAP, and 731 metric tons of potash fertilizer have been distributed in Kailali in the current fiscal year alone.

He said the stock ran out due to higher-than-expected demand for DAP fertilizer. He also noted that despite having a distribution center with a capacity of 2,000 metric tons, timely delivery has been difficult due to supply management issues and delays.

Along with the fertilizer shortage, farmers are also facing challenges due to lack of rainfall. Currently, DAP fertilizer is being sold in the market at around Rs 2,250 per quintal, while open sale of urea fertilizer is prohibited.

Farmers have urged the federal, provincial, and local governments to ensure timely fertilizer supply, warning that otherwise agricultural production will decline and the farming system will be severely affected.