Farmers crowd Sirsa DAP centres amid shortage, distribution delays

With only 15 days left for sowing rabi crops, farmers in Sirsa district are rushing to get di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, leading to long queues and confusion at distribution centres.

On Saturday, 25,000 bags of DAP were distributed across 64 government centres with farmers, including women, lining up from early morning and waiting for hours.

Farmers complained about the lack of basic facilities like drinking water at the centres, and many stood hungry and thirsty for hours. Some centres distributed four bags per farmer, while others gave only two. Although farmers tried to maintain order by making their own token lists, overcrowding and disorder persisted.

Saroj from Gudiakhera and Saroj Rani from Chauburja said they had no choice but to stand in long lines. Saroj Rani, who cares for a young son alone, called for separate arrangements for women to ease their difficulties.

According to the Agriculture Department on Saturday, 2,600 metric tonnes of DAP arrived and were distributed, with the remaining stock planned for Monday. Another 2,000 metric tonnes are expected on Sunday, which will be supplied to both government and private centres to ease the shortage.

So far, 8,000 metric tonnes of DAP have been distributed for the rabi season against a total demand of 45,000 metric tonnes. With cotton and guar crops damaged, farmers are preparing for early sowing of mustard and wheat. Mustard sowing is expected to begin in 15 days, while wheat sowing will start in about a month.

Amit Kumar, quality control inspector of the Agriculture Department, said supplies are arriving regularly and urged farmers to buy fertiliser according to their needs.

Meanwhile, at the IFFCO bazaar in Odhan, a large crowd gathered on Saturday morning as 660 bags of DAP arrived. Tension escalated into scuffles and shouting over fertiliser distribution, forcing police intervention. Distribution was postponed until Monday.

Sales officer Gajendra Chauhan said the fertiliser was to be given based on registration, with a limit of four bags per farmer. However, farmers with large fields complained that four bags were insufficient. Several farmers expressed frustration over inconsistent fertiliser availability, saying they face difficulties when urea and DAP arrive at the wrong time.

Chauhan added that this was the second batch of 660 bags in 20 days, and the previous distribution also faced issues. Due to the chaos, distribution had to be stopped and will resume on Monday.