Black marketing of diammonium fertiliser (DAP) by importers and dealers would not be tolerated and those found guilty of black marketing or hoarding would be brought to book.
Provincial agriculture secretary Sabhogo Khan Jatoi warned importers and dealers while presiding over an emergency meeting on the directive of the Sindh Chief Minister here on Saturday.
He said there were complaints that some unscrupulous elements are out to manipulate market to create artificial shortage of the fertiliser to dispose of their stock at higher rates during the current Rabi season, knowing well that DAP play a vital role in increasing the per acre yield of wheat.
The meeting was informed that the urea was being sold at places below the official price of Rs45 per 50kg but DAP was being sold at price varying between Rs1,050 to Rs1,100 while at various wheat-growing areas, DAP was not available.
Growers complained that poor availability of DAP adversely affecting the wheat sowing in lower Sindh.
The representative of fertiliser companies informed that some fertiliser importers of Karachi are not releasing their stock of imported DAP which had caused shortage and price hike.
It was decided that companies importing fertiliser should be directed to provide details of DAP fertiliser issued to dealers, quantity, dates of supply and addresses of dealers, so that action could be taken against those who are hoarding fertiliser for their personal gains.
Companies would also be directed to take action against such dealers by cancelling their dealership.
The secretary also directed district agriculture officers to mobilise teams to monitor DAP position in their respective districts and ensure the availability of DAP.
He also directed that those found guilty of hoarding DAP should be penalised under Sindh Fertiliser Act by cancelling their dealership license issued by the agriculture extension.
The research and agriculture extension director-general also hold a meeting of growers, fertiliser dealers and representatives of fertiliser companies and discussed in detail the availability of DAP in upper Sindh.
He directed the field staff to maintain strict vigil against hoarders and black marketers and ensure availability of DAP to growers at official rate.
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