Fertiliser crisis deepens in Sirsa; two dealers face action, sales suspended

The ongoing crisis over the shortage of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertiliser in Sirsa district escalated further on Wednesday, with the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department suspending fertiliser sales at two shops following surprise inspections.

A special inspection team led by Dr Jagminder Nain, Joint Director (Agricultural Engineering), and Dr Sukhdev Kamboj, Deputy Director Agriculture, found serious discrepancies at two Mandi Dabwali-based fertiliser dealerships. The inspection team included quality control inspectors, subject experts and plant protection officers who scrutinised stock registers, godown records and POS data for irregularities.

The sale of fertilisers from both firms was suspended with immediate effect and show-cause notices were issued. Officials also warned dealers against “tagging” — the illegal practice of forcing farmers to buy bundled products — and instructed all vendors to strictly follow government distribution guidelines.

The action comes as farmers across Sirsa continue to face an acute shortage of DAP fertiliser during the critical sowing window. On Monday, chaotic scenes unfolded at multiple fertiliser centres, including the PACS centre on Janata Bhawan Road in Sirsa city, where a scuffle broke out, prompting police deployment to manage the crowd.

“We needed four bags, but were given only two,” said a frustrated farmer, highlighting the gap between demand and supply. Many farmers also alleged favouritism and mismanagement. “Some people received fertiliser without standing in line, while those with valid tokens were sent back empty-handed,” they claimed.

With the onset of monsoon rains, sowing of narma (cotton) is picking up pace and so is the demand for DAP. Unable to source adequate supply from official centres, many farmers are turning to private dealers, where DAP is allegedly being sold at inflated rates, adding to the financial burden of already distressed cultivators.

Agriculture department officials have assured that inspections will continue and strict action will be taken against any violators.

“Dealers must ensure fair and timely distribution of fertilisers. We will not tolerate hoarding or black marketing,” an official said.

Farmers, meanwhile, are urging the state government to immediately restore normal fertiliser supply and tighten oversight at both cooperative and private sale points.