The Punjab agriculture department has asked the district co-ordination officers (DCOs) of the province to create awareness among the farmers and take necessary steps to ensure maximum utilisation of phosphorus fertilisers.
In a letter addressed to its officers across the province, the agriculture department pointed out that the off-take of phosphorus was reduced to a significant extent in previous Kharif and Rabi crops.
That is why, a hefty amount was passed as subsidy to the farmers to increase its use on wheat in the province because the deficiency of this important nutrient in wheat leads to stunted growth, poor tilling, delayed maturity, reduce root system and also creates susceptibility to moisture stress.
Therefore, all the extension activities are now focused on maximising the use of phosphorus, timely sowing with certified clean and graded seed of wheat, the letter added. The department asked its officers that maximum awareness campaign may be extended to sensitise the use of phosphorus and its recommended brands ie DAP, MAP, TSP, SSP and NP respectively.
The department also apprehended that increase in its use might lure the unscrupulous elements to market the spurious brands of this costly fertiliser. Therefore, it advised its officers to keep a watchful eye to ensure the provision of quality phosphorus fertilisers to the end consumers on notified prices. This targeted anti-adulteration drive will be a part of the awareness campaign, the department added.
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