Chandigarh News: Punjab could face a fertiliser shortage ahead of the paddy sowing season, with early indicators pointing to supply challenges due to ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The state has around 3,520 rural cooperative societies, with Markfed supplying 75% of fertilisers and IFFCO providing the remaining 25%.

So far, Markfed has supplied around 2 lakh metric tonnes of urea, while IFFCO has delivered about 1.5 lakh metric tonnes. Additionally, nearly 15,000 metric tonnes of DAP have been distributed to cooperative societies.

Despite improved early supply compared to last year, officials say stock levels are still about 30% short of the required buffer. With paddy transplantation set to begin around June 15, demand for urea is expected to rise sharply.

Farmers have already reported difficulties in procuring urea for maize crops, raising concerns about availability during the peak paddy season. Some have also alleged that dealers are pushing bundled sales of pesticides and nano urea along with conventional fertilisers.

Agriculture experts have warned against excessive use of fertilisers. Gurjinder Singh Romana said that the recommended usage for paddy is around 2.25 bags per acre, but many farmers use 4–5 bags, increasing pressure on supply.

The agriculture department has asked officials to closely monitor fertiliser distribution as demand is expected to surge in the coming weeks.

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