Approximately 1,5m Bengali potato farmers are facing a severe fertilizer crisis because the supply through government channels suffers shortage, and the growers are compelled to buy them at higher prices from the open market.
In this respect, the Bengali potato farmers are complaining that retailers making the most of the crisis and charging Rs800-1,000 over and above the retail price for 100kg of fertilizers.
The growers are already visiting agriculture offices across the state to register complaints on the fertilizer shortage, particularly in Hooghly, East Burdwan, West Midnapore, and Bankura districts, according to The Telegraph Online.
Experts say that there was around a 10-20% deficit in the supply of DAP (diammonium phosphate) and a 40% (muriate of potash) deficit in the supply of MoP in Bengal in November.
Potato, sown in November and December and harvested from March, is considered as one of the economically viable crops.
Bengal produces around 900,000-1,000,000 tons of potatoes every year. However, last year’s production was higher, with Bengal producing around 1,150,000 tons of potatoes.
The central government supplies subsidized fertilizers to thousands of retailers through private agencies to reach farmers across India.
Senior agriculture officials in the state said the fertilizer shortage was nationwide as the Centre had imported fertilizers fewer than requirement following a sharp spike in prices on the international market.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana have the highest demand for fertilizers in this winter sowing season.
