Global Rice News

Farmers in Pakistan are struggling to procure urea fertilizer at official prices, as reports suggest that dealers and middlemen are hoarding the product, causing inflated rates and endangering wheat crop production. According to farmer groups, the price of a 50-kilogram bag of urea has increased by up to 47%, reaching Rs5,000, which is significantly higher than the official rate of Rs3,410 to Rs3,750.

The lack of availability and proper distribution of urea fertilizer, which is essential for early wheat growth stages, is a major concern for farmers. Despite claims from manufacturers that there have been no recent price revisions, the prices of urea fertilizer have skyrocketed across the country in just one week.

This surge in prices, up to Rs1,590 higher than the official price, comes at a critical time in December when there is high demand for urea application during the early stages of the wheat crop. The inadequate application of urea fertilizer poses a threat to the production of the strategic wheat crop, which is a staple food for a significant portion of the population. Farmer groups claim that the urea prices issued by the Punjab Agriculture Extension Wing are not being followed in the provinces.

There are concerns of malpractices, such as hoarding and selling at prices higher than those set by manufacturers, which has led to calls for measures to ensure equitable distribution of fertilizers at notified prices. Despite assurances from agricultural departments and district authorities, farmers are experiencing price hikes and a lack of availability of urea in many areas during the peak demand period.

Farmers have reported that urea, which is officially priced at Rs3,410 per bag, is being sold at Rs4,700 to Rs4,800, raising concerns about the potential impact on wheat production. The Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP) has expressed similar concerns, warning that wheat output could suffer due to hoarding, scarcity, and expensive fertilizer. The president of KBP has urged the Supreme Court to take notice of the fertilizer price hike and emphasized that farmers may resort to protests if immediate action is not taken.

Farmers in Pakistan are facing increasing input costs, making agriculture economically challenging, despite low selling rates for their produce. The availability of urea at official prices has become a pressing issue for farmers as wheat sowing concludes across the country. The high prices of urea, at Rs5,000 per bag, and DAP fertilizer, at Rs14,000, pose significant challenges to the sustainability of the agriculture sector.

Source