RAHIM YAR KHAN: The artificial shortage of fertilisers in the district will affect the per acre yield of wheat in the ongoing season.

Representatives of farmers’ organisations said on Sunday farmers were facing an acute fertilizer shortage in Sadiqabad. They said that various fertilizer retailers would sell a urea bag for Rs2,300 to 2,500, but would issue the receipt of Rs1,768 after taking a picture of the farmer with this document.

Similarly, a DAP bag is being sold at Rs8,500 to 8,700 against the receipt of Rs8,123. Farmers said their complaints to district and agriculture officials brought about no results.

District Organiser of the Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Jam MD Gaanga told Dawn the district administration had hoisted banners in the whole district that two bags would be sold against one CNIC which was not sufficient for a farmer who cultivated wheat on 10 acres.

He said in a meeting of the deputy commissioner with the representatives of Fatima, Engro and FFC fertiliser companies and main dealers, company representatives said the shortage of fertilizer was due to the closure of plants. Gaanga said the government should investigate the matter.

Sadiqabad Assistant Commissioner Kalim Yousuf chose not to respond. According to the deputy director of the Public Relations Department handout, the district administration was active to ensure the supply of urea to farmers. Also, seven hoarders were arrested and five cases were registered.

BAHAWALNAGAR: Scores of farmers staged a sit-in outside the local press club in McLeod Ganj against the artificial shortage of urea on Saturday.

Protesters said fertilizer dealers, with the connivance of the agriculture and revenue departments, were selling urea at Rs2,300 per bag.

Moreover, Kashif, Shukat, Ibrahim, Shabbir, Yaseen and other members of the Farmer Association (Kisan Dost) alleged that the administration would take action only against retailers while big dealers had yet to face action.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2021