Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana rebuts Randeep Surjewala's DAP shortage claims with figures
After Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala held a press conference on DAP shortage on Thursday, state Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana responded by releasing data, disputing the incidents Surjewala claimed had occurred.
At a press statement, Rana said during the last rabi season, the consumption of DAP was 2,29,086 MT. As of November 7, the state had received 1,71,002 MT, including an opening balance of 53,970 MT on October 1, 2024. Currently, 26,497 MT of stock was available across various districts.
Regarding nitrogen phosphate and potash (NPK), the state had received 65,200 MT, including an opening balance of 42,908 MT. At present, 26,041 MT of NPK stock was available in various districts. Additionally, farmers also used single super phosphate (SSP) during sowing. The state had received 90,722 MT of SSP, including an opening balance of 79,527 MT, with 71,380 MT of SSP currently available in various districts, the government stated.
The total area under wheat and mustard cultivation in Haryana was 24 lakh hectares and 10 lakh hectares, respectively. Farmers used DAP, NPK, and SSP according to their preferences.
The state expects to receive an additional 14,574 MT of DAP by November 11.
Responding to the incidents mentioned by Surjewala, Rana confirmed that verified reports showed no lathicharge at Uchana, nor were there farmers’ protests at Narwana, Guhla Cheeka, and Kaithal on October 26. He also denied any reports of DAP being distributed from police stations in Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Narnaul.
On November 4, farmers protested and blocked a road in Sirsa briefly, but they were assured of regular supply, which the state was facilitating, Rana added. From October 1 to November 7, Sirsa received 15,794 MT of DAP and currently had a stock of 1,573 MT. The district was expected to receive an additional 2,419 MT within the next two days.
Referring to the incident at Badhra, Charkhi Dadri, on November 5, he clarified that while DAP had arrived, a large number of farmers gathered for the fertiliser. The local SDM and officials were present to ensure smooth distribution.
Surjewala had criticised the BJP for DAP shortage, and citing statistics, had alleged that it was taking revenge on farmers for their protests against the now-revoked farm laws.
At a press conference, referring to figures from the Union Budget, he said the fertiliser subsidy, which was Rs 2.51 lakh crore in 2022-23, was reduced to Rs 1.89 lakh crore in 2023-24, and further to Rs 1.64 lakh crore in 2024-25.
Quoting figures from the Fertiliser Association of India, he said in April-September 2023, 34.53 lakh tonne of DAP was imported, but in the same period in 2024, only 19.67 lakh tonne was imported.
He further pointed out that in April-September 2023, 62.83 lakh tonne of DAP was sold, while during the same period in 2024, only 45.72 lakh tonne was sold.
DAP consumption in MT*
Sept 2023: 71,872
Sept 2024: 70,703
Oct 2023: 1,19,470
Oct 2024: 1,09,767
Till Nov 7, 2023: 19,852
Till Nov 7, 2024: 31,584
(*Govt figures)
