Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Scarcity and Its Impact on Rabi Crop Productivity
- Benevolent NPKS complex fertilizers sales improved year over year from April through October, replenishing the soil.
- NPKS sales increased by 23.5% YoY, while DAP sales reduced by 25.4%.
- The product with the highest sale that year was NPKS 20:20:0:13.
- Muriate of Potash sales also rose though this was one commodity whose sales were in the downtrend for two consecutive years of financial statements.
- FAI said the decline in DAP sales might not hurt the yields of rabi crops.
- Imports: DAP imports are approximately 80% of India’s annual consumption. It happens to be the second crop nutrient after urea.
- Composition includes of ammonia and phosphoric acid, containing 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus.
- It is highly soluble in water and soil, releasing phosphate and ammonium for plants.
- Benefits includes aiding in tissue development, regulating protein synthesis, and meeting initial nitrogen and sulfur needs.
- Application rates vary for pastures and forage crops, and lawns.
- Storage advised in bulk sheds and covered with a tarp.
- Risks include potential harm to plant roots and seedlings when DAP dissolves.
