Supply from China cut, Karnataka farmers face DAP shortage: Report
Bengaluru: A drop in Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) imports from China has triggered a fertiliser shortage in Karnataka, leaving farmers struggling at the height of the kharif season.
The disruption has significantly impacted supplies, forcing authorities to suggest alternatives. The state agriculture department and experts are urging farmers to use Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium instead of DAP, as reported by The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Karnataka requires 4 lakh tonnes of DAP for the ongoing kharif season and an additional 2 lakh tonnes for the upcoming rabi season. While the Centre had allocated 4 lakh tonnes for the current season based on average usage over the past three years, only 1.89 lakh tonnes have been supplied so far.
Agriculture department sources quoted in the news report said they had a stock of around 76,000 tonnes from last year. “We have been able to distribute 1.9 lakh tonnes so far, including from the last year’s stock. For rabi, allocation will be in July-end. We don’t know how much we will get,” they added.
India relies heavily on imports for its DAP supply—about 48% of the annual requirement—most of which comes from China. However, China has reportedly curtailed DAP exports due to a combination of political reasons and increased domestic demand for certain ingredients used in other products. Complicating the situation, India also imports phosphoric compounds from countries like Russia, but rising freight costs—exacerbated by shipping disruptions near Karachi after Indo-Pak tensions—have further strained availability.
DAP plays a critical role in farming, delivering essential phosphorus for root development, flowering, and fruiting, while nitrogen component supports vegetative growth.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
