Punjab urges Centre for timely supply of DAP

Chandigarh, Oct 15 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has urged the Central Government to ensure timely supply of DAP as per the state's demand in view of the ensuing Rabi season.

While reviewing the availability of DAP in the state here last evening, Mr Badal directed the state Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Development to regularly monitor the DAP supply and also keep liaison with the Central Government's Department of Fertilisers for uninterrupted and adequate supply of DAP.

He also asked the Chief Secretary to be in touch with the Ministry of Railways to ensure smooth supply of DAP through adequate and timely availability of rakes to the state.

The Chief Minister appealed to the farmers not to be panicky as there was no shortage of DAP at present. He also urged them to make judicious use of fertilisers as per the expert advice of the agriculture scientists.

The Chief Minister said that against the requirement of 3.50 lakh MT of DAP up to October 25, 2.33 lakh MT has been received in the state.

The Chief Minister said the state had a stock of about 1.52 lakh MT as on October 1 and another 80,000 MT to date. About 50 per cent of DAP would be supplied to the farmers through cooperative sector and remaining 50 per cent by the private traders. In addition, the state has received 7,907 MT of complex fertilisers and another 5,000 MT was likely to be received by October 25, he added.

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