New Delhi/Chandigarh, October 25, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday pressed Union Chemical and Fertiliser Minister JP Nadda to ensure the complete supply of DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) fertiliser to Punjab by November 15. Emphasizing Punjab’s critical role in national food security, Mann noted that the state contributes nearly 50% of the country’s wheat supply to the national food pool and requires a sufficient DAP supply to support a successful wheat sowing season.
Punjab’s Requirement for DAP Fertiliser
During the meeting at Nadda’s residence, Chief Minister Mann explained that Punjab requires 4.80 lakh metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser for the upcoming wheat cultivation season. So far, the state has only received 3.30 lakh metric tonnes, leaving a considerable shortfall. Mann acknowledged that, as 70% of DAP is imported, factors such as the Ukraine war and other global disruptions have impacted supply. However, he emphasized that Punjab needs priority in DAP allocation as its demand peaks by mid-November, unlike other states that can wait longer.
Smooth Procurement Process and Challenges with Paddy Transportation
Mann highlighted the Punjab government’s efforts to ensure a seamless paddy procurement process across the state. However, he pointed out delays in the transportation of previously procured grains by the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The Chief Minister said he has raised this issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Food Minister Piyush Goyal, urging them to expedite FCI’s grain transport. Mann assured that despite these delays, the procurement process is on track, with over four lakh metric tonnes of paddy procured in Punjab’s ‘mandis’.
Response to Statements from Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu
Reacting sharply to recent statements by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, CM Mann dismissed Bittu’s criticisms as out of touch with reality. Mann remarked that Bittu, “born with a golden spoon,” lacks firsthand knowledge of agricultural issues faced by Punjab’s farmers and labourers. “I have spent my life in the ‘mandis’, and I am aware of the challenges farmers and labourers face, unlike those who have never engaged in agriculture,” Mann added, accusing Bittu of having a limited understanding of the sector’s dynamics.
Addressing Farmer Union Agitations
In his address, CM Mann also advised farmer unions against staging frequent road blockades, suggesting that “excess of everything is bad” and cautioning against unnecessary disruptions. He assured farmers that his government has already addressed key concerns of ‘arthiyas’ (commission agents) and has consistently advocated for millers’ issues with the Union government, which has resulted in a faster procurement pace.
Mann further warned that if the central government does not transport Punjab’s procured produce by June 2025, the state government will take independent action to ensure the produce is collected and distributed.
Criticism of Akali Dal and By-Election Controversy
Taking aim at the Akali Dal, CM Mann criticized the party’s leaders for their reluctance to participate in upcoming by-polls, despite their previous claims of long-term dominance in Punjab. Mann suggested that Akali leaders fear a significant defeat and have chosen not to contest to avoid further embarrassment. He added that internal divisions and excessive loyalty to leadership have weakened the Akali Dal’s standing in Punjab.
