Centre acts to boost DAP availability, blames global suppliers

• Steps taken to increase domestic DAP supply amid 60% import dependence.
• Causes of DAP shortage: Red Sea issue and global supplier export cuts.
• October and November crucial for farmers to apply for DAP, meeting 65-70% Rabi season demand.
• Government coordinates with states, railways, and fertiliser companies to resolve local availability issues.

Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer

• 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.

Red Sea Crisis Impact on DAP Supply in India

• The Department of Fertilizers has been unable to maintain adequate DAP supplies due to geo-political situations and the Red Sea Crisis.
• The crisis led to vessel diversion via the Cape of Good Hope, causing longer voyage times and supply chain disruptions.
• Industry experts argue that the crisis started in January and could have been avoided with an effective strategy.
• Despite a 59% increase in import during October, DAP demand for the month could not be met, and sales were lower than the year-ago.
• The combined requirement of DAP in the first two months of the Rabi sowing season was estimated at nearly 35 lakh tonnes.
• The government reported that imported and domestic DAP supplied to the States in October and November 2024 had become approximately 23 lt so far.
• DAP import surged 58.6% to 8.17 lt in October 2024 from 5.15 lt in the corresponding period last year.
• Major states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh used complex fertilisers by 5 lt more than the year-ago period.
• Intensive government efforts resulted in the total availability of 34.81 lt of DAP and 55.14 lt of complex during the ongoing Rabi season till date.