Bengaluru: A sharp divergence has emerged between the state government's assessment of fertiliser availability and the Centre's claims ahead of the kharif season, with state data indicating shortages of up to a staggering 64% of some key nutrients while the Union government insists stocks are adequate.
State Data Reveals Critical Shortfall
Agriculture department data reviewed by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at a meeting last week show Karnataka is battling an overall fertiliser shortfall of about 45%. The gap is most pronounced in di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), where the state received only 87,000 tonnes against a demand of 2.4 lakh tonnes between April and June, translating into a deficit of nearly 64%.
The figures contrast sharply with those shared by Pralhad Joshi, Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution, on X. Joshi stated that Karnataka's DAP requirement until June 10 stood at 1.9 lakh tonnes and that 2.6 lakh tonnes had been made available, leaving a closing stock of 3.1 lakh tonnes.
Urea and Complex Fertilisers Also Affected
A similar mismatch is visible in urea supplies. State figures show demand at 4.6 lakh tonnes against supplies of 2.9 lakh tonnes, resulting in a deficit of about 38%. Complex fertilisers, including the widely used NPKS combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur, also reflected a substantial gap. Karnataka reported supplies of 3.4 lakh tonnes against demand of 5.8 lakh tonnes, a deficit of around 41%.
However, Joshi presented a different picture. In his post on X, he said 9.3 lakh tonnes "was ensured as against the pro-rata requirement of 4.4 lakh tonnes. Even after substantial sales, over 5.6 lakh tonnes are available including transit stocks".
Discrepancy Explained by Officials
Agriculture department officials attributed the discrepancy largely to the inclusion of opening stocks in the Centre's calculations. "In previous years, the Centre never considered opening balance as part of supply figures. This left us with a buffer in case of emergencies, and ensured a seamless supply of fertilisers," said an official. "However, this year, due to the West Asia crisis, the opening balance of 1.1 lakh tonnes was added to the supply."
Officials said concerns over availability have already triggered instances of hoarding by some farmers and traders. During the review meeting, Shivakumar said: "The Centre has used war as the reason for fertiliser shortage."
Government Response
On Monday, Shivakumar directed officials to ensure adequate availability of fertilisers and assist farmers with equipment to spray pesticide.
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