India DAP shortage deepens as Haryana suspends IPL sales over critical supply delays
Haryana’s Agriculture Department has suspended Indian Potash Limited’s (IPL) authorization to sell non-subsidized fertilizers in the state, as the India DAP shortage disrupts rabi sowing in Sirsa district, The Tribune reported on October 14. The suspension, issued under Clause 31 of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, remains in force until further orders.
According to the order from Agriculture Director Amit Khatri, suppliers must get prior approval before placing fertilizer rakes anywhere in Haryana. IPL had been told to prioritize DAP rakes for Sirsa and Satroad in Hisar district, but allegedly sent rakes to Jhajjar and Jind instead, despite repeated warnings in the first week of October.
Farmers in Sirsa and Fatehabad have queued outside distribution centers from early morning for DAP, which is applied at sowing for wheat and mustard. The department said it is monitoring supply from rake points to retail outlets.
The episode shows how national stock data can mask local gaps. India’s overall fertilizer stocks rose 38% to 17 million tonnes ahead of rabi, yet DAP remains tight as sulfur costs and Chinese export curbs restrict imports. The next pressure point is wheat sowing, which in Punjab and Haryana runs from late October to mid-November.
Source: The Tribune
India DAP shortage: what to know
Sirsa needs about 45,000 tonnes of DAP for the rabi season, according to The Tribune. The first consignment that reached the district in early October was about 2,300 tonnes.
No. In late September, Punjab asked the central government for 300,000 tonnes of DAP after reporting 160,000 tonnes in stock against a rabi requirement of 550,000 tonnes, The Tribune reported. Rajasthan’s opposition has also raised complaints about shortages.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that DAP bags with a ₹1,350 maximum retail price were selling for ₹2,100 to ₹2,200 on the black market. The state government says availability is being monitored.
India imports an estimated 80% to 90% of its phosphoric acid and finished DAP needs, according to industry estimates. That leaves supply exposed to global sulfur costs and export policy in China.
Haryana suspended IPL’s Memorandum of Acknowledgement, issued in May 2017 and valid until June 2030, and ordered officials to stop its sales of non-subsidized fertilizers in the state.
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