Farmers to Receive Timely Fertilizers: Pune Agriculture Department Secures Buffer Stock of Urea and DAP

Pune: To ensure farmers receive timely and sufficient quantities of fertilizers before the Kharif season, the administration has decided to maintain a buffer stock of essential chemical fertilizers like Urea and DAP. The Agriculture Department announced that a reserve stock of 7,500 tonnes of Urea and 1,000 tonnes of DAP will be held to address any sudden shortages during the season. The department has also advised farmers to consider using alternative fertilizers instead of DAP.
Kharif Season Preparations Underway
The Agriculture Department has completed its preparations for the Kharif season. Anticipating timely sowing this season, the department has planned for a smooth supply of seeds and chemical fertilizers. In Pune district, various crops are cultivated across approximately two lakh hectares during the Kharif season, primarily including rice, soybean, bajra, maize, gram, groundnut, moong, arhar (pigeon pea), and urad (black gram).
Over the last three seasons, an average of 34,000 quintals of seeds were sold. This year, in anticipation of good rainfall, approximately 48,000 quintals of seeds are being supplied, ensuring easy and timely access for farmers. If the monsoon arrives on time and is satisfactory, there’s a strong likelihood of increased production in the district.
Ample Fertilizer Stock Available
The Agriculture Department is also focusing on enhancing communication with farmers through its crop advisory centers. Regarding chemical fertilizers, sufficient stock is available this year, with a total of 1.96 lakh metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers sanctioned. This includes various types of fertilizers such as Urea, DAP, MOP, and NPK. This conserved stock will be maintained to prevent farmers from facing any issues during crop cultivation.
District Superintendent Agriculture Officer, Sanjay Kachole, highlighted the challenges in DAP fertilizer availability and suggested, “Instead of DAP, it would be beneficial to use Urea and Single Super Phosphate fertilizers together. Additionally, using half a bag of Urea and one bag of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) in place of one bag of DAP fertilizer is also a good alternative.”
Approved Fertilizer Stock for Kharif Season (in Tonnes):
• May: 23,526
• June: 46,107
• July: 44,049
• August: 36,938
• September: 30,577