Fertiliser dealers’ strike to hit crops

A shutter-down strike called by fertiliser dealers in the city has adversely affected farmers and their crops.

Fertiliser shops remained shut on Thursday across Punjab, causing immense difficulties to the farmers, who are already struggling about the cost of oil, diesel, seeds, sprays and other production costs, which have surged due to inflation. Non-availability of fertiliser for them is increasing more difficulties.

It is impossible to deny the importance of the agriculture sector on the development of the country, since over 70% of the total population is reliant on farming. Unfortunately, no serious efforts are being made for the growth of this sector, adversely impacting farmers.

Currently, farmers are in dire need of urea fertiliser for their crops, but disputes between the administration and the fertiliser dealers association has increased to such an extent that fertiliser dealers went on a shutter down strike due to insecurity.

Fertiliser Dealers Association (FDA) officials have said the administration was mistreating dealers and the strike will continue until their demands were met.

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Dr Noor Muhammad Awan maintained that the strike is a personal issue of fertiliser dealers and fertilisers will be sold as per government policy. He added that violators of the law will be prosecuted and fined.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2023.