The agricultural heartland of Jind witnessed scenes of high tension today as the scramble for essential nutrients for the Rabi season turned physical. The demand for DAP, vital for root development in wheat and mustard, has far outstripped the current stock arriving at local outlets.
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Chaos at the Gates: In Julana and Narwana, scuffles broke out early this morning as farmers accused PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) employees of favoritism. When a truckload of approximately 2,000 bags arrived, the crowd surged, prompting the staff to call for immediate police reinforcement.
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Distribution Under Guard: To prevent a stampede, police took control of the registers. In several instances, fertilizer was distributed directly from police stations or under heavy guard to manage the substantial cash transactions and the frustrated crowd.
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The Sowing Pressure: Farmers are currently in a “race against time.” With temperatures dropping and soil moisture at optimal levels, any delay in sowing mustard or wheat could lead to a significant yield drop. “We have been standing in line since 4:00 AM. Every day we are told the ‘rack’ (train shipment) is coming, but many of us go home empty-handed,” said a farmer from Alewa.
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Allegations of Forced Sales: Adding to the distress, some farmers alleged that private dealers are forcing them to buy “nano urea” or zinc supplements as a condition for purchasing a bag of DAP—a practice strictly banned by the state government.
Community Sentiment
“It feels like we are begging for what is our right. First, we fight the weather, then the market, and now we have to fight each other just for a few bags of fertilizer. My fields are ready, but without DAP, the seeds won’t catch,” lamented a woman farmer at the Jind Mandi gate.
