Congress creating unnecessary panic in K’taka’: Union Minister on fertiliser shortage

Bengaluru, June 13 (IANS) Strongly rejecting allegations by Karnataka’s ruling Congress leaders that farmers are facing a fertiliser shortage, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday asserted that there was more than adequate stock of Urea, DAP and NPK fertilisers available in the state for the ongoing Kharif‑2026 season.

In a strongly worded statement, the Union Minister said the Karnataka Congress government’s claims were misleading and contrary to official data, adding that the Centre had gone out of its way to ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supplies to Karnataka despite global supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and export restrictions by major producing countries.

“The facts clearly show that there is no shortage of fertilisers in Karnataka. The Centre has ensured supplies far in excess of requirements and continues to closely monitor the situation,” the Minister said.

According to him, against Karnataka’s pro‑rata Kharif requirement of 3.13 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of Urea up to June 10, the Centre ensured availability of 5.59 LMT. After sales, the state still has over 3.29 LMT of Urea stock, including quantities currently in transit.

Similarly, against a pro‑rata requirement of 1.89 LMT of DAP, availability stood at 2.57 LMT, while stocks, including transit quantities, remain at 1.16 LMT. In the case of NPK fertilisers, availability reached 9.28 LMT against a requirement of 4.36 LMT, with current stocks touching 5.61 LMT.

Joshi pointed out that Karnataka had also received fertiliser supplies well above its requirements during the previous Rabi season. Against a Urea requirement of 7.60 LMT, the Centre supplied 10.48 LMT. Likewise, DAP availability reached 4.19 LMT against a requirement of 1.98 LMT, while NPK availability touched 13.52 LMT against a demand of 7.20 LMT.

The Minister attributed pressures on fertiliser availability worldwide to ongoing geopolitical conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran, coupled with reduced exports from major suppliers such as China. Despite these challenges, India has maintained adequate fertiliser stocks through enhanced domestic production and timely imports.

Joshi, however, noted that Karnataka witnessed unusually high fertiliser sales during recent months. Sales of DAP and NPK fertilisers increased substantially compared to the previous year, while fertiliser consumption during the Rabi season exceeded projected requirements. This, he said, had impacted available inventories within the state.

To prepare for Kharif‑2026, the Centre had proactively supplied additional fertiliser stocks between January and March this year. Karnataka received 33,000 metric tonnes more Urea than required, along with an additional 1.29 LMT of DAP and 1.58 LMT of NPK fertilisers to ensure advance stocking.

The Minister maintained that the responsibility of smooth distribution now rested with the state government.

“The Centre has ensured adequate supplies. Karnataka must strengthen inter‑district and intra‑district distribution and prevent bottlenecks. There should be no room for black marketing, hoarding or diversion of subsidised fertilisers meant for farmers,” he said.

The Union Government has already conducted several high‑level review meetings with Karnataka officials and fertiliser companies, directing strict action against illegal diversion of subsidised Urea for non‑agricultural purposes.

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to farmers, the Minister said fertiliser companies had been instructed to meet all genuine demands from Karnataka and that the situation was being monitored daily in coordination with the state government.

“There is no cause for alarm. Karnataka has sufficient stocks of Urea, DAP and NPK fertilisers. Attempts to create fear among farmers for political reasons are unwarranted,” the Minister asserted.

–IANS

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