Farmers Will No Longer Face DAP Shortage: Government to Promote Cheaper Alternatives

Key Highlights

• The government promotes NPK and SSP as alternatives to DAP.

• Chhattisgarh increases fertilizer distribution target to 17.18 lakh MT.

• SSP and urea mix offer the same nutrients as DAP at a lower cost.

• 12.13 lakh MT fertilizers already stored for Kharif 2025.

• Strict action is planned against black marketing and hoarding.

With the ongoing Kharif sowing season, farmers across India are facing a shortage of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertilizer. Responding to the issue, the government has taken a significant step to support farmers by promoting the use of alternative fertilizers that are both effective and affordable.

Chhattisgarh Leads with Alternative Fertilizer Strategy

In a proactive move, the Chhattisgarh government has made strong arrangements to supply alternatives to DAP due to reduced central government imports. The state has announced the distribution of NPK and SSP fertilizers as affordable replacements for DAP. This step is expected to help lakhs of farmers and reduce their dependency on a single fertilizer type.

To ensure smooth availability, the government has also increased the storage and distribution targets for these alternatives. This ensures that farmers don’t have to search elsewhere for fertilizers during the peak season.

Also Read: Government Offers 50% Subsidy on Weed Control Medicines for Farmers

Timely Fertilizer and Seed Supply is a Top Government Priority

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has assured farmers that providing fertilizers and seeds on time is the government’s top priority. He added that constant administrative monitoring is in place to understand farmer demands and address their concerns quickly.

Government schemes are now being framed based on scientific recommendations and practical ground realities. The aim is to maintain production levels and avoid any financial losses for farmers.

Revised Fertilizer Distribution Targets

To meet the current demand, the state has revised its distribution targets as follows:

After these changes, the total fertilizer distribution target has increased from 14.62 lakh metric tons to 17.18 lakh metric tons.

Scientific Advice: NPK and SSP Are Effective DAP Replacements

Agricultural experts from Indira Gandhi Agricultural University have confirmed that using NPK and SSP in place of DAP will not affect crop production. As long as the crops receive adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, yields will remain steady.

Effective Fertilizer Mix: SSP and Urea

Each DAP bag offers around 23 kg of phosphorus and 9 kg of nitrogen. As an alternative, farmers can use:

• 3 bags of SSP

• 1 bag of urea

This combination not only supplies essential phosphorus and nitrogen but also delivers micronutrients like calcium and sulfur, which boost root development and crop quality. Experts note that SSP is not just cheaper than DAP but also improves soil fertility and crop yield when combined with organic or bio-fertilizers.

Fertilizers Already Stored and Being Distributed

According to the Agriculture Department, a total of 12.13 lakh metric tons of fertilizers have already been stored in Chhattisgarh for the 2025 Kharif season. Out of this:

• 7.29 lakh metric tons have been distributed to farmers

• 4.84 lakh metric tons are being distributed through cooperative societies and private vendors

Strict administrative measures are in place to monitor fertilizer supply across all districts. Authorities are ensuring the timely availability of fertilizers and are ready to take strict action against black marketing or hoarding.

Also Read: Agriculture Department Releases Advisory for Better Kharif Pulse Yields

CMV360 Says

The government's decision to promote NPK and SSP fertilizers as alternatives to DAP is a timely and practical solution to address the current shortage. With increased storage, scientific backing, and strict monitoring, farmers can now carry on with their sowing activities without any worries about fertilizer availability. This step is expected to support crop productivity and strengthen farmer confidence across the state.