Fertiliser Shortage: Farmers to suspend supply to market

Local farmers and growers to suspend supplying fresh vegetables and fruits from November 18.

SIALKOT: Local farmers and growers announced that they were going to suspend supplying fresh vegetables and fruits from November 18 to protest shortage of fertilizer in the district. The farmers alleged that the shortage was “artificial”, one created by government cronies to make extra money. They complained that despite repeated appeals made to the district administration, their grievance had not been addressed. In addition, they criticised dealers who were selling urea and DAP fertilizers for prices which are higher than government fixed prices. Expressing concern they said that the situation was “critical”. Wheat production will reduce by 50 per cent as a result of unavailability of fertilizer in the market, they said. They urged the Chief Minister, Gujranwala commissioner and Sialkot district commissioner to take notice.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2011.