Fertiliser supply adequate for Rabi: minister

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday directed authorities to strengthen market surveillance and warned that artificial shortages, hoarding and unjustified price increases would not be tolerated, as he chaired a meeting of the Fertiliser Review Committee to assess availability, market prices, distribution and supply requirements for the ongoing Rabi cropping season.

The meeting reviewed the prevailing stock position, domestic production, supply chain arrangements and anticipated fertiliser demand during the wheat sowing season, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Ministry officials and fertiliser industry stakeholders attended.

Hussain expressed satisfaction over the overall fertiliser supply situation and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining sufficient stocks, particularly urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP), to meet farmers' requirements throughout the Rabi season. Officials briefed the meeting on measures to maintain a balanced supply across the country and ensure smooth movement of fertilisers to agricultural markets.

The minister directed close coordination with relevant departments and fertiliser manufacturers to prevent supply disruptions. He observed that fluctuations in international fertiliser markets and global economic uncertainties continue to pose challenges to agricultural input costs, but said the government remained focused on protecting farmers from unnecessary financial pressures.