Punjabs Additional Chief Secretary (Agriculture) Anurag Verma on Tuesday instructed all District Commissioners (DCs) to ensure the smooth and adequate availability of fertilizers, particularly Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), for the upcoming Rabi crop sowing season. This directive is in response to increasing complaints from farmers regarding both fertilizer scarcity and price manipulation by some dealers.   Verma has emphasized the need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent any shortage or unethical practices, aiming to maintain a fair agricultural market across the State as the crucial sowing period approaches.   In a letter issued on Tuesday, Verma outlined a strategy for securing the availability of DAP at the regulated price of Rs 1,350 per 50 kg bag, an essential nutrient required for wheat, barley, and other Rabi crops. The directive comes amid mounting concerns from the agriculture community that certain dealers are overcharging or compelling farmers to purchase unnecessary products alongside the DAP bags.   Recognizing the critical role of fertilizers in crop productivity and food security, Verma has called for strict monitoring and enforcement actions against profiteering practices to safeguard the interests of farmers.   Verma urged the DCs to form collaborative teams comprising Executive Magistrates and officials from the Agriculture Department. These teams will conduct surprise inspections of local dealerships to check for price compliance and adherence to fair trade practices. The directive also mandates that any instances of overcharging, bundling of irrelevant products, or hoarding should be promptly reported. Legal actions are to be initiated against violators under relevant laws, a clear signal that Punjab is committed to preventing any exploitation of farmers.   To evaluate the implementation of these measures, Verma announced a virtual conference scheduled for November 2, where all DCs will present findings from the inspections — intensifying oversight in safeguarding essential agricultural inputs and aligning with the Chief Ministers commitment to enhancing farmers access to necessary resources.   The letter further disclosed that the Chief Minister has recently engaged with the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers to address the states requirements. During the discussions, the Union Minister assured a steady and sufficient supply of DAP for Punjab. Furthermore, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana has issued advisory guidance on alternative phosphate fertilizers, which could be viable options if DAP supplies face unexpected disruptions. This initiative ensured that Punjabs agricultural sector has contingency plans in place, reducing dependency on a single type of fertilizer and offering more resilience in the face of market fluctuations.   Vermas instructions are seen as part of a broader government initiative to support farmers through a balanced supply of resources essential for Rabi crop cultivation. Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that the farmers face no logistical hurdles or financial strain due to inflated fertilizer prices. Given the recent challenges in the agricultural supply chain, the states administration is emphasizing that farmers needs remain a priority.   Additionally, with Rabi season preparations underway, the Governments proactive approach is expected to stabilize fertilizer availability, ensuring Punjabs food security and agricultural prosperity.   The DCs have been reminded to keep open lines of communication with the Agriculture Department to promptly address any challenges. As Punjab strengthens its agricultural support framework, farmers in the state can expect reinforced supply chains and effective monitoring, making the Rabi season a smooth and prosperous period for Punjabs agrarian economy.

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