Executive Summary:
This document is the response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1131 regarding a reported DAP shortage in Maharashtra. It confirms adequate DAP availability in Maharashtra during the Kharif 2025 season, and outlines steps taken by the government to ensure timely fertilizer availability and reasonable pricing through monitoring, subsidy policies, and coordination with state governments. The response addresses concerns about artificial shortages and price increases.
Key Points / Main Content:
DAP Availability in Maharashtra:
* Maharashtra has adequate DAP: 2,98,000 MT available from 01.04.2025 to 22.07.2025 against a prorata requirement of 2,89,000 MT.
* The state holds a closing stock of 1,11,000 MT of DAP.
* Distribution within the state is managed by the State Government of Maharashtra.
* No artificial shortages or price increases have been reported by the State Government of Maharashtra.
Government Measures for Fertilizer Availability:
* DAFW assesses state-wise fertilizer requirements in consultation with State Governments before each cropping season.
* The Department of Fertilizers allocates adequate quantities to states and monitors availability through monthly supply plans.
* Fertilizer movement is tracked via the integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System (iFMS).
* Weekly video conferences are held by DAFW and the Department of Fertilizers with State Agriculture Officials to address fertilizer dispatch.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy:
* The NBS policy, effective from 01.04.2010, provides a fixed subsidy on Phosphatic and Potassic (PK) fertilizers based on nutrient content.
* Fertilizer companies set MRP for PK fertilizers under the NBS scheme, monitored by the Government.
Impact Analysis:
Farmers:
Impact: Farmers in Maharashtra, specifically in Gondpipri taluka of Chandrapur district, were concerned about potential DAP shortages and price increases. The response assures adequate availability in the state, though distribution is managed at the state level.
Action Required: Continue to acquire DAP through established state channels, monitor market prices, and report any shortages or price irregularities to the State Government.
State Government of Maharashtra:
Impact: The State Government is responsible for the distribution of fertilizers within the state and for reporting any instances of artificial shortages or price jacking.
Action Required: Maintain oversight of fertilizer distribution within the state, address any local supply issues, and report any artificial shortages or price increases to the Department of Fertilizers.
Fertilizer Companies:
Impact: Fertilizer companies are responsible for setting MRP for PK fertilizers under the NBS scheme, based on market dynamics.
Action Required: Adhere to the NBS policy, set reasonable prices for PK fertilizers, and ensure compliance with monitoring systems.
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DAFW) and Department of Fertilizers:
Impact: These departments are responsible for assessing fertilizer requirements, allocating supplies, monitoring movement, and coordinating with state governments.
Action Required: Continue assessing fertilizer needs, allocating supplies, monitoring distribution, and holding regular consultations with state officials to ensure timely availability and address any issues.
Key Entities Referenced
DAP: Diammonium Phosphate fertilizer, a widely used fertilizer mentioned due to reported shortages.
Gondpipri taluka of Chandrapur district of Maharashtra: Specific geographical area mentioned where farmers reportedly face DAP shortage.
Kharif 2025 season: The agricultural season during which the DAP availability is being assessed.
Department of Fertilizers: The government department responsible for managing fertilizer supply and allocation.
SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL: The Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers who provided the answer.
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare DAFW: Government department that assesses fertilizer requirements in consultation with state governments.
Nutrient Based Subsidy NBS Policy: Government policy implemented for Phosphatic and Potassic (PK) Fertilizers.
integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System iFMS: Online web-based monitoring system used to track the movement of subsidized fertilizers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1131 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 25.07.2025
SHORTAGE OF DAP
1131:SMT. DHANORKAR PRATIBHA SURESH:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that farmers are facing acute shortage of DAP (Di-ammonium
Phosphate) fertilizer for sowing crops in Gondpipri taluka of Chandrapur district of
Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the total demand of DAP fertilizer in Gondpipri taluka at present and the
quantum of fertilizer that is actually available along with the reasons for shortage
of said fertilizer;
(c) whether the Government has received complaints of artificial man-made shortage
of DAP fertilizer and jacking of its prices;
(d) if so, the details of action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government against
the companies and individuals involved in such irregularities; and
(e) the action taken by the Government to provide adequate stock of DAP fertilizer at
farmer cooperative institutions and agriculture centres and to ensure that farmers
get fertilizer on time and at reasonable rates?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) to (d) The availability of DAP has remained adequate in the State of Maharashtra
during the ongoing Kharif 2025 season. From 01.04.2025 to 22.07.2025, 2,98,000
Metric Tons of DAP has been made available in the State against the pro-rata
requirement of 2,89,000 Metric Tons and the State currently holds closing stock of
1,11,000 Metric Tons of DAP. However, the distribution of fertilizers within the State
at district/taluk level is done by the State Government.
Further, as per the information received from State Government of Maharashtra, no
such case regarding artificial man-made shortage of DAP fertilizer and jacking of its
prices has been reported.-2-
(e) Following steps are taken by the Government every season for ensuring timely
and adequate availability of fertilizers in the country:
i. Before the commencement of each cropping season, Department of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), in consultation with all the State Governments,
assesses the state-wise & month-wise requirement of fertilizersviz. Urea, DAP, MOP
and NPKS.
ii. On the basis of requirement projected, Department of Fertilizers allocates
adequate quantities of fertilizers to States by issuing monthly supply plan and
continuously monitors the availability.
iii. The movement of all major subsidized fertilizers is monitored throughout the
country by an on-line web-based monitoring system called integrated Fertilizer
Monitoring System (iFMS);
iv. Regular Weekly Video Conference is conducted jointly by DA&FW and D/o
Fertilizers with State Agriculture Officials and corrective actions are taken to dispatch
fertilizers as indicated by the State Governments.
Further, Government has implemented Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy w.e.f.
01.04.2010 for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) Fertilizers. Under the policy, a fixed
amount of subsidy, decided on annual/bi-annual basis, is provided on notified P&K
fertilizers depending on their nutrient content. Under NBS Scheme, MRP is fixed by
fertilizer companies as per market dynamics at reasonable level which is monitored
by the Government.
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