Farmers Alert: How to Avoid Fake DAP Fertilizer and Alternatives

Key Highlights

• Avoid fake DAP fertilizers by purchasing from licensed sellers.
• Use single super phosphate as an alternative to DAP.
• Always request a receipt when buying fertilizers.
• Report unauthorized fertilizer sellers to agriculture authorities.
• Test DAP with lime or heat to check authenticity.

As the Kharif crop is ready for harvest and the Rabi sowing season begins, farmers will need fertilizers like urea and DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate). With the increased demand for DAP, reports of fake DAP being sold in the market have also surfaced. In response, the Agriculture Department has issued an advisory to help farmers avoid buying fake DAP, as using it could harm their crops.

Also Read: Mustard, Carrot, Radish, and Spinach: Farmers Can Do This for Better Yields

What is DAP?

DAP, or Di-Ammonium Phosphate, is a widely used fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to plants. It contains 18% nitrogen and 46% phosphorus, making it an important fertilizer for crop growth. DAP is commonly applied during the sowing of crops and quickly dissolves in the soil, offering phosphate and ammonia to the plants.

How Crops Benefit from DAP

DAP is ideal for use in heavy soils and is most effective when mixed with 60% MOP (Muriate of Potash). It is typically applied during the sowing stage and is particularly beneficial for flowering vegetables. However, since DAP lacks potassium, it is less effective for grain crops.

Advisory: Be Cautious When Buying Fertilizers

According to the Churu Agriculture Department in Rajasthan, fertilizers should only be bought from licensed sellers, such as cooperative societies and authorized private sellers. Selling fertilizers without a license is a punishable offense under the Fertilizer Control Order 1985. Farmers should avoid buying fertilizers from unauthorized sellers, especially individuals selling in villages, as these are likely to be fake. If farmers encounter such sellers, they are advised to inform their local Agriculture Supervisor, Assistant Agriculture Officer, or Joint Director of Agriculture.

Also Read: Registration Date Extended for Selling Paddy, Jowar, and Millet at MSP

How to Identify Fake DAP

Farmers can identify fake DAP by following these steps:

1. Test with Lime: Crush some DAP granules in your hand and add a little lime. Genuine DAP will release a strong smell.
2. Heat Test: Heat DAP granules on a low flame. Real DAP will swell when heated, indicating that it is not adulterated.

Important Tips for Buying DAP

When buying DAP or any other fertilizer, farmers should:

• Always get a receipt.
• Purchase only from registered shops.
• Ensure they use a POS machine for payment and thumb impressions for record-keeping.

By doing this, the department can track fertilizer sales, ensuring that if fake fertilizers are sold, the sellers can be held accountable.

Alternatives to DAP

If DAP is unavailable in your area, farmers can use single super phosphate (SSP) as an alternative. SSP is more economical and can be mixed with urea to provide the necessary nutrients for crops. This combination is especially beneficial for mustard, gram, and taramira crops. Farmers are advised to mix three bags of SSP with half a bag of urea for better results. According to the Churu Joint Director, SSP, and urea or NPK fertilizers are cost-effective and readily available alternatives to DAP for Rabi crops.

Also Read: Huge Subsidy on Wheat, Gram, Lentil & Mustard Seeds – Apply Now!

CMV360 Says

Farmers should remain vigilant and ensure they purchase fertilizers from authorized sellers to avoid the risks associated with fake DAP. If DAP is unavailable, using alternatives like single super phosphate and urea can be both beneficial and economical for their crops.