UP blames poor central policies for DAP shortfall

Lucknow, Dec 21 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today slammed the Centre for its ''poor'' policies which led to the alleged shortfall of DAP and other fertilisers ahead of the Rabi season.

Talking to reporters here, state Agriculture minister Dr Ashok Bajpai said the government, at the centre, lacked proper planning and policies which led to the shortfall of DAP (a nitrogen-based fertiliser) ahead of the crucial Rabi season. ''The central government is aware that DAP is imported. Still there were no agreements and MoUs with importers well before the requirements.

The delays could play havoc with the crop, especially when the government was forced to import wheat,'' he added.

He claimed that the Uttar Pradesh government had stocked urea, including DAP to ensure that there was no shortfall in November, when it is required the most.

''We had deputed officials (to New Delhi) for better co-ordination to ensure that the state got its share without much trouble,'' he added.

The state government has kept a target of 43.80 lakh MT of urea distribution for the Rabi season, which was more than previous year's target of 40.63 lakh MT.

As on today, 3.40 lakh MT of urea, 1.45 lakh MT of DAP and 0.40 lakh MT of NPK were available in the state.

In the year 2005-06, UP produced 259.58 lakh MT of rabi crop, whereas this year's target has been set as 307.88 lakh MT. ''This year, we plan to start planting rabi crop 15 days in advance to ensure that the February heat does not play spoilsport,'' the minister said, claming that following the Centre's decision to import wheat, UP wanted to produce additional rabi crop, including wheat.

In a bid to ensure early plantation of rabi crop, the government has ensured that canals were cleaned and water was available at 'tails', he claimed.

''Raids have been carried out at urea outlets by the enforcement wing to prevent black-marketing he said, adding that till December 19, 21,703 such raids were conducted. So far 10 traders have been sent to jail under section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, Dr Bajpai added.

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